THE KELLY AND LEON MINSTRELS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 864, 22 January 1879, Page 2

THE KELLY AND LEON MINSTRELS.

This company appeared at the Volunteer Hall last evening for the first time, and should feel satisfied to the utmost with the reception accorded them. The hall was crowded in every part, and the applause bestowed upon the principal performers was botli frequent and long sustained. In many respects the entertainment differed very materially from the ordinary run of minstrel performances. In some cases the innovations were very decided improvements, while in others they were not. The first portion of the programme consisted of the usual " chair business" —songs and choruses and funnyisms by the corner men. Of the vocal efforts in this part Mr. Frederick's song, "Speak only Speak," was the most successful, though Mr. Beaumont Reed obtained an encore for " In the Sweet bye and bye." ' The choruses to both these items were excellently rendered, the capital orchestra of the company adding ] greatly to their effect by the admirable manner in which the accompaniments were played; indeed, the orchestra throughout played remarkably well, the overtures being rendered in a manner far superior to those of ordinary minstrel companies. Tho comic songs and funnyisms possessed the double merit of being good, and for the most part new. The final selections from " Girofio'and Girofla" was not an entire success, for though the solos and choruses were very well given, there appeared to be something wanting, but what that something was it would be difficult to say. In the second part " the only Leon" appeared as a female, and a verv excellent imitation he gave. His make-up, by-play, and singing was capital, but why this sort of thing should be introduced into an entertainment of the kind is difficult to comprehend. The quartette by Messrs. Read, Fredericks, Ball, and Kelly—" The Tar's Song"—was deservedly encored, and the singers responded with that ever-popular quartette, '' Soft and Low," Mr.' Courtright's song and dance was really good, and received a well-merited encore" Of the sketch "A Five-Cent. Shave" the less said the better. It was probably placed on the programme for the purpose of introducing Japanese Tommy ; it served its purpose, and that is the best tiling that can be said about it. The concluding farce, " His Grace the Duke," was, however, a decided novelty, and a very welcome substitute for the ordinary negro farce. In this Mr. Kelly and " the only Leon" appeared to great advantage, and were ably assisted by Messrs. Courtright, Lister, and Turridge. The audience were kept in a continuous state of merriment. The company appear again this evening, when a afresh programme will be presented.