Page 7 Advertisements Column 2

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4883, 7 February 1903, Page 7 (Supplement)

The Frank Thornton Comedy Company commenced a season at His Maejsty s, Auckland, on the 24th, when the musical farce “A Test Match"’and the farce comedy "Facing the Music,” were produced. "A Test Match” is, says a contemporary, a lively little piece with lots of music in it, and admirable scojre for the talents of Miss Phoebe Mercer as Tilly, Mr Joscjili-Wilson as Plnckie, Ist Grenadier Guards and Mr Galwey Herbert as Tibbs. Tilly, plump and pretty, as becomes a self-respecting cook, is wooed by the army.the navy and the constabulary. To test their affections she burlesques the casket scene in a: ‘‘Merchant of Venice.” presenting to her lovers the choice between a pie, a mug of beer, and a glass of water. Hebert lalls a victim' to the odouriferous bunny pie, Tommy finds his Coleuso in the beer, but Jack — who has had the "straight tip” from the man in bine even as, according to Coley ridge, Bassanio had from Ac-rissa—hero-ically chooses the water (which he gleefully discovers to have been robbed of its deadly effects by a judicious intermixture with mellow Ilielnn' whusky), and wins the goddess of the kitchen. Mr Joseph Wilson plays the triple part of policeman, soldier and sailor, and sings three capital songs. Miss -.forcer is a particularly winsome cook, while Mr Herbert very satisfactorily fills the role of boots. One of the snccesso? of the American season is a comic opera called ‘‘‘When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” The book is bv Stanislaus Strange and the ipusio by Mr Julian Edwards. The leading role is played by Miss Lucille Saunders, known in private life as Mrs Albert MeGuckin. It is stated that Miss Lucille Saunders has received an offer to appear in a revival of “Paul Jones” in London nest season.