THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3379, 6 February 1879, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

The announcement of Mademoiselle Charbonnet's benefit drew a good house last night at the Theatre. Mademoiselle Charbonnet was very well supported, an excellent entertainment having been arranged, which passed off capitally. The programme was in three divisions, the first and second, which were musical, being divide 1 by an amusing well written comedietta. The musical portion was provided by Mdlle Charbonnet, Signor Vcnosta, Mr Marshall, Signor Luisetti, the band of the Theatre Royal, and Mr Milburn, who accompanied. The dramatic entertainment was contributed by Mr and Mrs Hill, the Misses May, and Mr Stark.

Mademoiselle Charbonnet, who was very well received, displayed her musical talent to very great advantage. Her greatest effort was with the fine "Scherzo" of Chopin's, which Madame Tasca introduced so favourably to the notice of Christchurch audiences. Brilliancy, a grand style, thoroughly musical expression, and complete mastery of the changing phases of the composition made her rendering remarkable. Loud applause and a re-call, produced for the audience a galop of Mademoiselle Charbonnet's own composition, graceful and original in character. Another of her numbers were Schuloff s fancifully brilliant arrangement of the " Carnival de Venice," played with firmness, facility, and smoothness, and followed by a delicate musical trifle from a ballet by Delibes, entitled " Coppelia," given with the rapidity, lightness, and completeness of a musical box, with charming varieties of expression, which put into it that life which mechanism must ever be without. The other pieces were Weber's "Polonaise," followed, by request, by an arrangement of " The Last Eose of Summer" for one hand, and Giorza's fine fantasia on airs from the " Grand Duchess," to all of which music Mdlle. Charbonnet gave the same justice as on previous occasions. Tho increased attendance and constant applause show that the talent of this young artiste is being at last appreciated.

The comedietta wa; remarkable for the very Haltering reception accorded to Mrs Walter Hill, after her long absence from the Christchurch stage. She and Mr Hill acted their parts with the ease and completeness which might have been expected of them. The Misses May were lively and painstaking as usual, and Mr Stark acted like the meritorious actor. The piece, which is not long, kept the audience well amused throughout. Signora Venosta sang anair, "Carrissima," new to Christchurch with much ta9te and display of voice, "Alas Those Chimes" from "Maritana," and the Brindisi. from "Lucrezia." The items were much applauded, and the last was partially repeated. Mr Marshall was ' spirited with " Will o' the Wisp," which he followed, in obedience to a recall, with a couple of verses of " Nancy Lee," giving them with much vigour and power. His other contribution, " Wrecked and Saved," gave him a fine opportunity for displaying his voice. Bignor Luisetti contributed an air from " Elixir d'Amore " and " Povera Maria," by Tosti, a very taking composition. Mr Milburn accompanied the singers very successfully. Two overtures by the small orchestra, under the leadership of Mr Biinz, were well played, the second (the overture to the Barber of Seville) being remarkable for the excellent cornet playing of Mr Tankard.

On Friday night, when there will be a change of programme, Mr Biinz takes a benefit.