THE DRAMA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume III, Issue 119, 6 August 1875, Page 12

THE DRAMA.

++ On Friday night last Mrs. Darrell took lier first benefit as Rosa^ lind, in Shakespeare's comedy of "As You Like it." The housewas crowded to suffocation in every part, pit, stalls, and dress circle being all alike crammed, uumbers being compelled to stand during the performance. This was no doubt owing not only to the enticing programme put forth, but also to the high reputation Mra Darrell has acquired in the character of Rosalind, a reputation which, it is but fair to say, she amply sustained. Those who patronised the theatre on the evening- in question had no cause for regret, the piece, difficult as it is, being carried through in the most creditable manner, and without the slightest hitch. Without a single exception every .member in the cast was deserving of praise, each one acquitting his or herself in a manner which defied criticism, and proved that the management have now at their command sufficient talent to enable them to favor the public with the legitimate drama. Indeed, with such an excellent stock company, and the fact before them that Shakespeare, Lytton, or Robertson will draw far better houses than pieces of the sensational kind, it is a matter for surprise that the management will insist in producing pieces of questionable merit, which do not seem to amuse, as they certainly do not instruct. During the evening Mr.. Darrell sang a couple of character songs in capital style, and also recited Tennyson's magnificent poem " The Charge of the Light Brigade. This masterpiece of the poet-laurete is usually looked upon as the highest critical test of elocutionary excellence, and there are few who are able to do it adequate justice. Having heard Montgomery, admittedly the first elocutionist of his day, we can speak in terms of commendation of Mr. Darrell' s renderings He, however, fell into one or two mistakes which marred the first portion delivered. In the opening line, tho words "Half a league ! half a league! half a league, onward!" were uttered with a deliberation and slowness which had anything but a good effect ; and decidedly objection could be taken to his action when arriving at the line " Rode the six hundred I" In the first place the swaying of his head and body about, as if he were jockying his horse over some jump was not at all in keeping with a charge of cavalry j and secondly, every one is aware that when cavalry charge the enemy, 1 the sabre or lance is in the right hand, consequently the fact 6^L Mr. Darrell's holding his horse as if he were riding a steeple-chase^ ! with the reins in both hands, is open to criticism. Taking it, however, as a whole, it was given in a most spirited and effective manner, and evoked hearty and well-deserved applause. On Monday night there Was produced a magnificent specimen of the sensational class, entitled " Rube Redmond, the Backwoodsman." If the fact of its being highly provocative of laughter be taken as atest of its success, then, indeed, its success was unparalleled, but we are inclined to think thai the mirth emanated from a source which would not be deemed complimentary to the author. We are not aware by whom the piece was written, but certainly " Rube Redmond " will not be the means of bringing its author from his obscurity, or handing his name down to posterity; but if the piece be a test of his ability, his anonymity is rather a benefit than otherwise, as it will not act detrimentally upon his f uture efforts. The greatest effect which it produced on us was that of surprise that a lady of Mrs. Darrell's abilities would consent to appear in a character which a fourth-rate actress might be pardoned, for refusing.