AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13858, 22 March 1907, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. . "The Country Giri." Tho TCTival of " The Country Girl" tho Williamson Opera Company drew a. very large audience to His Majesty's Theatre Inst evening. As a musical comedy "Tlio Country Girl" has some excellent qualities of music and humour, and is a really bright, pretty ; animated, and well-balanced work of its kind', to which the company is well qualified to do justice. Last, evenings' presentation went with ft swing from start to finish, and gained tho demonstrative approval of an Appreciative aitdicneo. The cast was a. strong one, and tlio principals and other members of' tho comnan ymade tho most of their opportunities, while the production lacked nothing -thai lavish staging, striking tableaux, and- graceful dance figures could impart to it. The scene of tlio second act depicting tho hall and stairway of thc_ Ministry of Pino Arts is a particularly effective stage effort, as will be remembered. With one or two exceptions of importance, tho cast differed from that which appeared in the previous production of " Tho Country Girl " here. Mr C. B. • Bantock appeared in his former role of Mr Bailees,- the Rajah of Bhong, and with all his previous success. For his delightfully humorous solo, " The Kajah of Bhong," with its quaint adaption of its words to its music, ho waa recalled tims and again. Mr Arthur Crane, as Geoffrey Cluilloner, acted and sang well, both his principal solo and- the duet in which he took part -with Miss Godwin being really excellent vocal contributions. Miss Olivo Godwin, as Marjory Joy. the lady o! tho title, was happily cast, and was in particularly good voice. Her "Coon song " was exceedingly welcome. Miss Nellie Wilson looked and! acted the interesting -part of the Princess ■Mchelaneh in a. manner that was entirely satisfying, and her rendering of the takin K solo' " Under the Deodah" was evidence of her vocal ability. Miss Evelyn Sc-otfc reappeared to every advantage in the part of tho lively, Nan; and helped the first act along not a, little by her animation and natural vivacity. Mr Fred Leslie, as tho irrepressible Bariy, had an onerous comedy role to sustain, and acquitted himself therein with cleverness and credit, keeping the -audience highly amused, especially in the impersonation sceno , of Hie second act.' The part ot Barry, it willbe remembered, was previously taken hero by Mr Lauri. Miss Connie Milne aguiu demonstrated her cleverness on certain Jines in tlio part of Madame Sophie, and provided some excellent humour in association with Mr Leslie. The " Two little chicks" duet sung and acted by these two artists was vociferously redemanded. Mr Arthur Hunter was a satisfactory Sir Joseph Verity, while Mr W. Stafford's impersonation of Grantor Mummery was sufficiently humorous. Mr Percy contributed a further flicker of humour la the production in his appearance in the insignificant part of Douglas Verity, and all the many other parts were very adequately, sustained. The chorus singing and the concertcd music generally was excellent, and the pretty sestet of the second act was only surpassed in favour by the popular " Hiawatha"' octet, which, as was quite expected, was greeted with very demonstrative approval, and was an exceedingly pretty and graceful contribution. Miss Lillie Woodlock again earned hearty applause for her charming solo dauciug. The company brings its season to a close this evening with a final production of "Tho Country _ Girl," which will include special concert items so that all - the principals #f tlio company may appear.

AMIAMBRiY THEATRE. There was another excellent .attendance at Fullers' vaudeville, entertainment at the Alhambra Theatre last evening, when tbe popular programme now being submitted wis repeated. The same programme will be staged to-night, and to-morrow (Saturday) evening a special holiday' performance will be presented. In the good houses which nightly patronise -the Alhambra. the management lias decided to make no chango in tile personnel of the present company for another week.