Amusements.

Thames Star, Volume III, Issue 1666, 2 May 1874, Page 2

Amusements.

ACADBMY OF MUSIC.

There was a capital house at the above theatre last evening, the occasion of Miss Clara Stephenson's benefit. The piece de resistance was Bulwer Lytton's magnificent drama "The Lady of Lyons," Miss Stephenson impersonating the character of the heroine Pauline. Most people are acquainted with this play, and it is* almost unnecessary to say therefore" that it moves with action, and abounds in ? the most sublime sentiment and perfect language. Miss Stdi'phe'nson^has, before given us probf of what she'is capkble ; but last evening she surpassed herself, and gave us further evidence that she is air actress of extraordinary talent^ Her idea of pafhos in the touching sdenes of Pauline's despair and constancy of dove was 'quite\ equal to that of her expression «of > as 1 displayed in her representation of Medea on Monday evening. Mr. Collier made a gpod Claude Melnotte, and it was but necessary'tofdo this to accomp(lish',a task' requiring more than average' professional ability. Mr Booth as Beauseant succeeded admirably; "the choice could not have fallen on a more fitting'^person. The character requires especially that the actor shouia look the gentleman ; and Mr. Booth always doe 9 look gentlemanly. We have before expressed an opinion as to this gentleman's ability; last night he gave us the idea of Monsieur Beauseant as the lately deceased author represents him—that of a heartless,!, but polished and gentlemanly villain. Mr. tiearle made an excellent Du,mas ; representing the bluff man of the Vorld and soldier, under whose rough exterior' there, beats a, kindly heart, to perfection. These are the principal characters; the' other parts were] fairly sustained. "Tonight will positively be the last appearance" of • the company on the. Thames, as they are announced to appear in Auckland on Monday evening. " Under the Gaslight" will be produced. We would hpno.stly-Tadvisejthpse rwhohayejiipt seen Miss Stephenson not to lose this the jlast opportunity, , • x ..,_, : .•,. ■ • .-.■. ; '■, ; ; J, ; ar-i j_ ■. '„' '..',