BENEFIT ENTERTAINMENT.
The entertainment of last evening, for the benefit of Mrs. Colley and children, was patronised by the largest lmuse we have yet seen at any of our amateur performances. It was a striking example of the liberality and gonerous instincts of the public in a worthy cause. The body of tho Hall wa3 crowded aa well as the gallery ; and among tho audience we noticed very many of our country settlers, who, on the eccasion mustered in strong farce. The entertainment consisted of two parts, the first of which was ushered in by an overture by the J Battery Baud, after which followed the amusing farce of "Bumble's Courtship." Mr. J. Bourke as " Bumble " was excessively amusing, and produced diversion enough to cause those who were present to regret that they had not paid more than they had for admission. The part of Mrs. Corney was extremely well sustained by Mr. Montague Smith, thun whom we know no better impersonator of female character, both as regards voice and other features of dress and manner. The House was kept iti convulsed laughter from start to finish at the eccentricities of both characters. Every praise is due to them for the exactness of their rendering, into which both of them evidently threw in their humorous conceptions. Following tho above came a sonjj "The Valliant Knight," by Mr. Dufaur, which was greeted by a storm of applause, and a demand for an encore, to which in response he sang" Sing me an English Song. ' Mr. Dufaur was ia capital voice, and demonstrated the fact that as a basso ho stands on a footing of equality with any other Who has appeared before the public. Succeeding Mr. Dufaur, Madamo Stew art, who, on her appearance, was heartily received, sang in a voice clear, musical, and distinct, " The Fairy Answer." As a rule with this popular singer a repetition was demanded, and to please the large audience one was to hand and rendered, with nn effect which was highly appreciated. In the rendering of "The Minstrel Boy," sho excelled her former effort, and at the conclusion rapturous applause awaited her. The recitation of " The Maniac," by Mr. F 1 W. Thompson was received with every demonstration of appreciation, which there can be no question that it deserved. The elocution was finished and the word auited to the action. Although there was nothing to indicate that it was pleasing or otherwise in an open manner, the general verdict was that in tho point of finished acting it
Wiisi-xcull.-iit, uml the production of ;i scholarly actor. Tho trio of the "Gipsies' Laughing Chorus," by Mrs. C. D. Uorry, Capuin Chriap, and Mr. Butt, was well received, although with many there were doubts as to whether it could designated a trio. To conclude the first part was " The Clang of the Wooden iShoon," rendered by Madame Stewart, in really tine style, and which wns deserving of special mention, but tlie audience were not satisfied thereat, and by loud, and prolonged din required another. This applause was responded to by a Breton song entitled, "My Darling was so Fair." The suooiuL part was opened by an overture by We J Battery Band. Then caino (he laughable faroe of " Betsy Baknr," iii wiiicli the following parts were vaunted : — Marniaduke Mouser, Mr. F. VV. Thompson; Mr. Crummy, Mr. F. J. Thompson ; Mrs. Mouser, ] Mra. F. J. Thompson ; Betsy Baker, Mr. M. H. Smith ; Mr. M. H. "Smith caused immense amusement by his clever and finished acting in ih' part of " Betsy Baker," the heroine of tlio piece. Mrs. Thompson, as Mrs. Mouser, was chaste and attractive in demeanour, and accomplished her role with credit. Mr. Marmaduke Monger, was a host in himself, and sustained the attention of the audience throughout. The remaining character Mr. F. J. Thompson, as Mr. Crummy, did remarkably well considering that it is his first appearance on the boards. The songs were effectively accompanied on the instrument by Mrs. Berry ajifi Mrs. .Smith. The nett proceeds amounted to £35.
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Bibliographic details
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 1396, 11 August 1881, Page 2
Word Count
674BENEFIT ENTERTAINMENT. Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 1396, 11 August 1881, Page 2
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