SPLENDID ENTERTAINMENT IN AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 3, 14 May 1897, Page 25

SPLENDID ENTERTAINMENT IN AUCKLAND.

(From an occasional correspondent.)

THE pupils of the Marist Brothers' college and schools gave their annual dramatic and musical entertainment in the Opera House on Monday night, 2<>th ult. The house was packed. Many were content with standing room. Quite a crowd could not get admittance. There were evidently high expectations from the juvenile performers ; and, by way of preface, I may mention there was no disappointment. A very full and varied programme was arranged for the night, and that a dense house kept its peace from Sto past 1 1 p.m. leaves not a doubt of entire satisfaction and pleasure. The orchestra was almost entirely a college one. under the able cond uctorship of Mr. P. F. Hiscocks. Throughout the night the music was thrilling, and held the audience in the quietness of musical bliss.

The first item on the programme was an overture, "March from ' Xorma.' ' by the college orchestra. It was tellingly rendered, and distinctly foreboded the good things that were to follow. The next item was dumb boll exercises, w itli limelight effects, by the college pupils, under the conductorship of Mr. Lawrence. The striking physique of the boys and their conductor, their easy and graceful movements, held the house in admiring suspense, and were loudly applauded. The next item was the famous drama, '• Sir Thomas More." The dramatis pi-nonar were all college boys. Master James Mahoney represented Sir Thomas More ; Master R. Keenan, CromweL : Master W. Brennan, Henry VIII. : Master C. Kearns. the Duke of Norfolk ; Master P. McUovern, Sir Alfred Allerton : Master M. Lynch, Willie, son of Sir Thomas ; Master P. McVeagh, Court jester. The guards were : — Masters D. Shaw. T. Enright, H. Goonan. W. Dervan. The judges were: — Masters J. Furlong, J. Mahoney, F. Mcßeynolds, L. Wool. The angel was represented by Master P. Parke. The other children of Sir Thomas were Masters C. Dunn and J. Kean. The pages were Masters M. J. Lynch and W. Shaw. The drama consists of four acts, illustrating very fully a gloomy chapter of English history, too well known to need recalling. The acting was highly creditable to the boys. In fact they displayed the ease and bearing of professional actors. The orchestra played suitable selections between the acts. The attention of the house was rapt throughout the whole drama. The last act drew tears from eyes quite used to stage representations. It was supplemented by two tableaux, showing the reward of a martyr's death, which were very affecting. The next item was a chorus with tablrav, " Erin the Tear,"' by the pupils. The touching tableau and the ring of youthful sweet voices were very pleasing. The next item was an address by his Lordship. Dr. Lenihan, wMch was very appropriate and happily delivered.