The Corrick Family.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11548, 30 August 1900, Page 2

The Corrick Family.

A SPLENDID RECEPTION. The Corrick Family — vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, and beliringers — >»ho opened a short season in the Theatre Royal on Thursday night, must have been delighted with the hearty and demonstrative reception they received from a New Plymouth audience on their first appearance here. They certainly deserved, and, it must be siid commanded, the cordiality , with ;wbich their refined and uniue entertainment ■was received; and, moreover," they verified all the high praises tjiut had; been ' sounded in their favour" in the press in other parts of .the' colony. The Corrick Family is a " live " combination, that i* to say from Miss Alice, their " star," down to Miss Ruby, their ting cornet soloist, every member puts in a solid atnourit oi work for - the amusement' of the audience. As a Family organisation they are tho cleverest, bnrring rione, that have bowed before a local audience. Dealing with the individual members o£ the Company -pride Of place must necessarily be accorded, to ! Miss Alice Corrick, tho gifted soprano soloist. The young lady was heralded with a high reputation as a cantatrice,' which she pfoved had in no wise been! overrated. The first number was "Dear' 'Bird of WinJet 1 " (Ganz), in which the' ; young lady demdnstr"ated the purity'and volume of her voice. This song was a great test of voice culture, and as such it was greatly appreciated. In response to a vociferous ei'core Miss Alice favoured the audience, no doubt by way of contrast, with tho homely but ever favourite melody " Comin' thro' the Rye," which,' it is almost needless to say, was most favourably received, It was not until her second number was finished that the audience worked up to tl c occasion, and absolutely gave ( the talented young vocalist an ovation. Her second solo effort was in that sympathetic song "The Beating of my own Heart " (Macfnrren). The young lady sang the number with such great taste and expression that the audience insisted o;i an encore. In response the lady scored in a lively, sparkling solo, " Listen to the Soldiers in tho Baud," with invisible chorus and music. , She had now fairly got control of the audience, and in response to another imperative encore ihe lady favoured with the ever popular " Kiilarncy." which' was charmingly interpreted. Tho young lady, who possesses a good stage presence and style, assisted in other numbers. She shared the honours with Madame Corrick in the duet, "Sainted Mother,' 1 from ''Maritana," and, for an encore, they gave " Life's Dream is O'er." Madame Corrick in both her solns — " Better Laud ", and " Because 'l Love You" — was encored; but the length of tho programme prohibited every recall being answered. Professor Corrick scored in both his vocal numbers, ll The Admiral's lVooin " and " King's Own." Miss Ethel sang " Arrah go on " with great naivete and expression, and for au. encore gave the sympathetic ditty, "My Father's the Engineer."' Jn the second pare she was heard to even better advantage in a serio-comic refrain entitled ."Georgie," and had to bow her acknowledgements to the applause. Master Leonard, a "mannish" looking little chap, soon established himself a favourite with, his auditors, lie was encored for his comic songs "Hooligan's Mule " and "Giving Them All a Turn," and ah*o for his clarionet solo, '-Scotch Airs." T^he chorus singing was excellent. "Jingle Bells" (a sleigh refrain) and "Do Lecture" •were both encorod, some comical r by-pUy being introduced into the latter. Tho orcho&tra numbers "Bohiwaiau Girl" ■and "Popular Airs," an operatic selection, were received with much favour. The orchestral consisted of Professor and Miss Ethel (violins), Miss Alice (viola), Miss Amy (flute), Miss Ruby (cornet), Master Leonard (clarionet), Miss Corrick (piano). ■ Tho piano used was one of Brinsmeacl's best Upright Grands supplied by Messrs H. Collier and Co. Two selections were played on the bells, and in each the family displayed considerable ability in manipulation. The dancing was a special feature. Miss Ethel and Master Leonard gave a double Union Jack hornpipe, which was encored ; 'arid , Misses Amy, Ethel, Ruby, and Master Leonard gave a HighFliiijg in costume, which they had to' repeat* Miss Ruby's cornet solo, "Holy City," with orchestral accompaniment, was a meritorious effort for one so young, and she well deserved the leception it received. Tho majority Jof the accompaniments were played by Miss Corrick, who displayed great tact and taste in this important matter. The entertainment, which ended with the singing of a verse of tho National Anthem, was not concluded till after 10.30 o'clock, a proof that tho audience took the fullest advantage of the privilege of encores. TO-NIGHT. Tho Family will appear again to-night when a change of programme will be submitted. Mis 3 Corrick will sing grand scona " Softly Sighs " from the opera of Der Friesohatz.