'THE TWO ORPHANS.'

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 346, 25 July 1885, Page 13

'THE TWO ORPHANS.'

The ' Two Orphans ' succeeded the popular ' Lights O' London ' at the Opera House on Monday. We have had the 'Two Orphans ' before in this city, but never on such a complete and realistic scale as marked its production on Monday evening. The drama is a powerful one, but is nevertheless a good deal dependent on scenic effects ; that is to say, unless the staging of the piece as it was originally played in London is followed with something like fidelity it is apt, in spite of good acting, to fall somewhat flat. Recognising this Messrs MacMahon and Leitch have spared no pains or expense to ' put it on ' well. Some of the set scenes, notably the Church, and the celebrated Snow Scene, as represented at the Opera House, are perfect pictures, and elicited rounds of applause froni all parts of the house. Miss Maggie Knight played Louise, the blind girl, conscientiously and with all the power and pathos of which she is capable ; but, as we have before remarked, we do not think Miss Knight's forte is emotional acting. Miss Jennie Bryce, as the Countess de Liniere, playerl with her customary ability, bringing out a minor character into bold relief. Miss Gwynne Herrick also deserves a word of praise for her skilful rendering of the part of Marianne. Mr Jewett, who shines in ' bold-bad-man parts, made a hit as the ruffianly Jaques, and Mr F. C. Appleton was fairly successful as the crippled Pierre. Mr Chas. Thompson's Picard was about the best we have seen on any stage. If we are not very greatly mistaken Mr Thompson will one day make a big reputation. Mr Harry Douglas, a most useful member of the company, was excellent as the Count de Liniere. Our old friend, Mr Vernon, who made such a hit as the showman in < The Lights o' London,' again scored as the easy-going and kindly- hearted doctor. ' Uncle Zac ' on Saturday at the Opera House. Harry Eccles is amongst the "Wellington, unemployed. Harry Teece is house-painting (!) on the West Coast. The Misses Howard and Mr Cowan are in Christchurch, disengaged. Professor Rice is in Wellington. Future movements uncertain. Lieut. Barter who started the Girola Yacht Party is in Wellington waiting for 'good news from Home.' Wybert Reeve, after playing in Christchurch for twelve nights, opened in Dunedin on the 22nd in ' Impulse.' Gerald Dillon is giving Sunday evening readings and recitals at the Wellington Lyceum Hall with considerable success. Mr Thompson (not ' Zulu ') has arrived in Auckland with his Soudan War Diorama. The opening night is not yet announced. Wash. Norton's Merry Makers are doing respectable biz. at the Theatre Royal, Wellington. Auckland to follow about middle of August. The Waitemata Minstrels tendered a benefit concert on Tuesday evening at the Theatre Royal to Bandmaster George Morris. The affair was both a financial and artistic success. Hugo's Minstrels are drawing crammed houses in Dunedin. The low prices of admission — the best seats are only two shillings—are the secret of the rush every evening. Hugo is a wise man. Oscar Balfe and Miss Gertrude Duke are in Wellington. Mr Balfe and Miss Wyatt have seceded from the Wilmott Company. Mr Marter is said to thinking of following suit. The Wilmott Company appear in Nelson shortly, and will then, it is rumoured, dissolve. On the 6th, 7th, and Bth of next month, - ' Pinafore,' the ever-popular, will be produced by a thoroughly efficient company at the Theatre Royal. The performance will be for the benefit of the Auckland Coast Guards. Further particulars next week. A concert and ball came off at the Newmarket Hall on Monday evening. The proceeds go to swell tb.3 funds of the New--1 market Brass Band. The only thing that marred the evening's enjoyment was the shameful conduct of the larrikins. Ladies will fight shy of appearing in public in Newmarket after this. Messrs W. Russell and Co. have conimenced business in Elliot-street, opposite the Opera House as theatrical and general advertising agents. Auckland is acknowledged to be the best show town in the colony, and there should be plenty of room for the operations of the new firm. Madame Pauline Rita, the well-known vocalist, and Mr John Radcliffe, the famous flautist, open at the Theatee Royal on Monday for a brief season of six nights. The Southern papers are unanimous in lauding the Radcliffe-Rita Combination, and these clever artistes will doubtless be accorded in music-loving Auckland a reception as enthusiastic as greeted them in the cities of the South. Mr Smith, well-known in professional circles, is managing for Madame Rita and Mr Radcliffe.