AUCKLAND AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue XI, 15 September 1894, Page 246

AUCKLAND AMUSEMENTS.

THE JUVENILE OPERA COMPANY.

F)R those who love pretty scenery and gorgeous dresses there is a treat in store wherever the pantomime • Ali Baba’ is produced by the Juvenile Opera Company. No prettier, and indeed no more dazzling spectacle, has been seen here since * Aladdin ’ was staged by the same Company. If anything, the present production is richer in dressing than its predecessor. The whole Company is honestly greatly improved. The voices which were worn with hard work on the last visit are entirely revived, and in one or two cases so greatly improved that the owners will scarcely be recogni-ed. Mies Marion Mitchell is tuneful as of yore, and Miss Beatty has advanced enormously. Her stage presence is remarkably fine, and she has now a pleasant and exceedingly powerful voice. Messrs Alf. Stevens and H. Quealy seem up to form, though the latter is perhaps scarcely so funny in ' Ali Baba ’ as he has been on previous occasions. The male * star ’ this time is without any doubt at all Master C. Stephens—brother of ‘Alf.’ The ’nipper,’ as this youngster is called in the play bill, is particularly smart and clever, and his singing * brings down the house.’ ’Just as good as any you have got,’ is a capital song—sung with surprising character by this exceedingly small actor. The march of the Forty Thieves is worthy of a visit alone. Tbedrillingof thechildrcn reflects infinite credit on Mr Tom Pollard, who may indeed be con gratulated on the entire production. We should certainly not have objected toaslightlysmarter dialogue, and there is occasionally just a trifle too much horse play humour. These objections are, however, not important. Children appear to enjoy the rough and tumblegambols of Quealyand Co., and after all, if we grownups have the spectacle, we should not grudge laughter at the inno

cent fooling which we are no longer unsophisticated enough to enjoy.

* Bulbo,’ the new opera by Mr Harrison, forms the subject of much conjectural conversation. Those who have heard the music declare it must cause ijurore. The work will be shortly produced, and will surely succeed, if, as we

hear on unprejudiced authority, the music is light and pretty, and the dialogue smart and up to date.

PONSONBY ‘AT HOME.’ The fifth monthly ‘ At Home ’ takes place on Friday, the

14th instant. A successful evening is anticipated, as the committee is a strong one, and the dance is well advertised.

The list of attractions advertised for Professor Janies benefit at the Colombia Rink in Auckland is surely enough to ensure an enormous attendance. The prizes to be distributed are exceedingly handsome, and it is certain there will be no favouritism in the awards, as the public themselves are to be the judges. The prizes to be distributed are as follows: —Ladies: Most handsome dress, pair electro plated jam spoons, butter knife and case; most original dress, pair electro plated and pearl butter knives and case; most graceful lady skater, electroplated bread fork and case. Gentlemen : Most handsome dress, shaving companion complete ; most original dress, gold horse shoe scarf pin ; one dozen photos and opal by Wriggles worth and Binns for the gentleman who causes the most amusement during the evening. The programme is lengthy and varied, and provides something to interest every taste. The Maypole dance by limelight will certainly be very well worth seeing. It was a very pretty sight even without theadded attraction of the said limelight. The trick and fancy skating is always interesting and can scarcely fail to be so on this occasion. Seating accommodation will, moreover, be supplied. Amongst other attractions may be mentioned statue act on skates by Professors James and Faust and pupils, withlimelighteffect; tripleburlesque skating and bicycle act by Professor Faust; competition for most graceful lady skater ; grand march with limelight effect. Skating from 7 30 to 11.