UNITED STATES MINSTRELS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1374, 30 March 1878, Page 5

UNITED STATES MINSTRELS.

The United States Minstrels gave their I opening performance at the Princess Theatre on Saturday, March 23, and may be complimented upon havingbeen remarkably successful. There was a capital audience, The stalls and pit were crammed, numbers were unable to gain admittance, and the dress circle was wel patronised, although Saturday evening is unfavourable to a large attendance in that part of the house. Some of the members of the troupe appeared in Dunedin about four years since, and established a creditable reputation here, and most of them are known throughout the Colonies as leading minstrel vocalists and humorists, The troupe has been judiciously organised, and, so far as its first performance is concerned, did not display any element of weakness. Both the instrumental and vocal music were good — the singing being particularly so — and affording a marked contrast in this respect to_ the genuine Negro performance, the counterfeit being preferable. The first part of the entertainment consisted of songs, interspersed with humorous remarks, conundrums, and mirth-provoking antics. Messrs Hudson and Holly were excellent corner-men, and created intense amusement. They left the well-worn jests and too-familiar grimaces alone, and introduced agreeable novelties and improvements into this portion of the preformance. The 1 aonga were rendered effectively, and the choruses were well sustained. The ballad by Mr Amery, " The Mowers of May," created a favourable impression ; and Mr Campbell sang ''Bonnie Scotland" in a manner that secured much approbation. Two new comic songs by Mr Hudson and Mr Holly were loudly applauded. Mr Rockefeller gave a pleasing, plaintive, and effective rendering of the aong, "Close the Shutters, Willies Dead •" and Mr L. Braham's song, " Hark, the Drum," was deservedly applauded, and an encore demanded. The musical sketch, "An Invitation from the Emperor," was amusing, and the national songs of England, America, Germany, and France formed one of the most pleasing parts of tho entertainmeht. We understand that it is contemplated to introduce into this sketch Mr Bracken's "New Zealand Anthem," and should this be done ? a good opportunity will be given to the public of hearing it under favourable circumstances. The vocal quartette, the chorus from Ernani, was splendidly sung by Messrs Braharu, Rockefeller, Campbell, and Anaery — probably the best quartette that have visited the Colony, and in response to enthusiastic applause, and demand for an encore, the quartette ! "Come where my love lies dreaming" was exquisitely given, without instrumental accompaniment. # Mr E. Amery sang " Hear me, gentle Maritana" very successfully, and had also to reply to a demand for an encore. The solos on the single and double whistles, by Mr George Lingard, formed a special item on the programme, and the audience required their ! repetition. The dancing was unquestionably good, but the silver belt jig might be curtailed a little, as the public have been treated recently to a great deal of prize and champion belt dancing. _ In point of artistic merit the vocal ability of the troupe stands preeminent ; but a genuine spirit of comedy is developed by its members. The sketch "He would be an actor," on Saturday evening, produced convulsive laughter, and the burlesque, "Kill Trovatore," was a most amusing and entertaining performance, the " Anvil Chorus " being well sung. Fron. the overture to the National Anthem the performance on Saturday evening was an enjoyable one, and if a crowded house and cordial applause are indications of success, the United States Minstrels are likely to have a prosperous season, and to maintain their popularity.