ENTERTAINMENTS ON SHOW

Waikato Argus, Volume XIX, Issue 3029, 10 November 1905, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS ON SHOW

NIGHTS OPERATIC CONCERT. Tins year, as usual, tho Hamilton Comedy Club entered liberally for visitors to Hamilton on show nights, and for tliis alone wo think they are justly entitled to the best thanks of the association, for on those occasions the judges are always the guests of the company. This year it was thought that an operatic concert would be a pleasant change, and Mrs Langley Shaw enthusiastically took up the idea, and immediately sot to work to organise something really choice in the musical line. That she succeeded beyond all possible doubt everyone will readily admit, and tho entertainment was a really enjoyable one. With the assistance of Miss Madeline Knight and Messrs Wilfred Manning and G‘o. Warren (Auckland), and Miss Miller and Messrs Clegg, McKinnon and Savage (Hamilton), Mrs Shaw put on a programme that was indeed a treat to anyone who can appreciate good music. Mr Wilfred Manning opened with “The Toreador,” from Carmen; ho was quite equal to his best form, and iis an encore, sang “ There is a Land.’ Mr Manning’s singing is always enjoyed by a Hamilton audience, and on this occasion was heartily appreciated. " Alas, Those Chimes,” from Maritana. by Miss Madeline Knight, was beautifully rendered, and Mr Clegg’s item •• There is a Flower that Bloometh,” from the same favourite opera, was given in that gentleman’s best style. A violin duet by Mrs Shaw and Mr Savage was very tastefully given, and an encore was demanded. Mr Geo. Warren, in place of a song, gave a reading in imitation of a parson giving the fixtures for the following week, which was clover and humourous. The audience appreciated tho item to the full, and Mr Warren responded to a recall with a sermon on an old nursery rhyme. Tho trio, “ Just Look at This,” from Les Cloches, by Miss Miller and Messrs Clegg and McKinnon, was prettily rendered, and the last verso had to bo repeated. Mr Manning then sang “Long Ago in Alcalo,” and as an encore “ The Lost Chord,” with cornet obligato by Mr Savage. Miss Madeline Knight folwith “ A Song of Hope and Love,” and as an encore number Tosli’-s

“ Good-bye.” Mr C. Clegg was encored for his “ Evening Song.” The duet from the Country Girl, “ Boy and Girl,” by Miss Madeline Knight and Mr Wilfred Manning, was a charming number, and the last verso bad to be repeated. Mr Geo. Warren’s “Tired” song was splendidly done, and he also had to respond to an encore. Tho song “ Silent Heroes,” from Los Cloches,” by Mr McKinnon, with hidden chorus, was a most enjoyable item. The Hamilton Orchestral Society rendered several items pleasingly, and came in for a fair share of approbation. Tho thanks of the company are due to their Auckland friends for their kind assistance; but they have some compensation in knowing that their efforts were thoroughly appreciated by the public.

“ DANDY DICK.” Last night they staged I’inero’s comedy “Dandy Dick.” Notwithstanding that this play had been played several times previously in Hamilton, there was a good attendance, not only of those who had not witnessed it before, but also of those who wished to refresh their memories and once more enjoy the jokes and ludicrous situations with which the brilliant Untie play sparkles. Tho Hamilton Orchestral Society, under the leadership of Mr Savage, played the overture and incidental music in a finished manner, and contributed their full share to the success of the entertainment, Tho leading part was taken by Mr A. E. Manning, This gentlemen once more evidenced that he lias considerable histrionic ability, which has been carefully cultivated, his acting is singularly free from the gaucheries, from which the delineations of very few amateurs,andfnt that matter many professionals arc seldom free. The part of Georgiana Tidman was taken by Miss O’Neill, this young lady by previous performances has established herself as a favourite with Hamilton audiences. Last night she moro than confirmed this good opinion. Throughout her acting was easy and natural and her enunciation good. Tim two young ladies. Misses Hunter and Holloway, who took tho parts of Salome and Sheba respectively, played with vivacity, and contributed their full share to the success, the latter, to use the language of play bills, making her first appearance on any stage. Both received considerable and well-deserved applause. There was one drawback, and tbat was that the dialogue when taking place at the back of the stage, was heard with difficulty by the audience. Mr P. E. Steveus, as Major Tarver, made a good deal of a difficult character. The part of Mr Darby was taken by Dr. Brewis, who depicted the empty-headed subaltern to the letter. Mr M. H, Quick took the part of Sir Tristram Mardon with good effect. We never remember to have seen him to bettor advantage. The part of Hannah Topping was taken by Mrs A. E. Manning. That lady looked and acted her part well. She avoided overdoing the part, a failing which is, unfortunately, so common with those who take similar character. Mr C. Speight, as Bloro tho butler, had an important and difficult character. Ho sustained his part well and contributed more than his full share to tho fun, Mr W. Doy, as the town constable, was meant by the author to appear ridiculous ; to say that he did so is therefore to accord him praise. Mr H. Corbett (Sir Tristram’s groom) had not much to do, but lie did that little in a manner which foretells that ho will be trusted with moro important parts in the future. The funds which accrue from the two performances are to be devoted to tho bowling green. It is only fair to mention that the movement was initiated by Mr Manning, and to his work as stage manager and instructor the success attained is due.