The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1871-05-10
Waikiki, May 4th, 1871.
w. P. ALEXANDER,
President of the Board

TIE AMATEUR PERFORMANCE The dramatic
entertainment given by the officers of the Jealous
Wednesday evening last in aid Of the relief fund
for the widows and orphans of the late war, was a
perfect success in every respect. The Hall was
crowded long before the hour arrived for the
curtain to rise. The entertainment being under the
patronage of Her Majesty Queen Emma, the per
formance did not commence until her arrival Her
Majest yentered the Hall at eight o'clock, and
was escorted to her seat by Admiral Farquhar,
the audience rising, and the Band playing the
National air Previous to the curtain rising, the
Manager, Lieut. Wilmot, appeared before the cur
tain and delivered the following prologue, (of which
he is himself the authOr,) amid great applause:
our thoughts there could but speech be found
And all that speech be uttered in sound,
So that some power above would afford
The to make a language of a word,
It should be, Welcome: in that only voice
We greet you all, and at this vision much rejoice
To see SO many friends all moved with pity
For victims, in this fair city;
The orphan, widow, and peasant bereft
or all that makes life valued; alas what's LEFT,
Save mourning flces and fields laid waste
The bitter fruit Of war begun in hastel
So we've invoked your aid and helping hand
To send relief unto that suffering land,
And in vain, as show these crowded ranks;
For which express our deep-fet, grateful thanks
But before presenting our little troupe to you
Doubtless some few words justly due.
Five thousand miles we've come, It's true,
To see the far-famed town of Honolulu;
Some little training the way we've had,
And if not good, we hope altogether bad
OF you then, mighty critics, assembled here,
We ask an indulgent eye and
We try to please,-oh take it not amiss,-
And if you not cheer pray DO not hiss;
Laugh if you can: If you not laugh, why, weep;
When you keep awake no longer, fall asleep
The prologue ELECTED numerous hatteriDg com
ments. The appearance of the neat little stage, as
wei as the style of the pieces presented, reminded
many present of the old Thespian Club of former
years. The opening piece was the capital farce of
3" Boots at the Swan" and was followed by an
interval during which Mr.. ommaney sang comic
song in character, which received decided encore
portion of the Band of the Jealous played during
the intermission, and performed some delightful
music The comic farce of Slashsr and Crasber,"
of the best entertainments that has
been given in this city for some time The acting
throughout really excellent, and each character
was performed in manner that would have reflected
credit upon regular professionals. The makeup of
the "lady" members of the company was splendid, |
and each Of them acted their parts to perfection,
particularly "Miss' Allen, who appeared in both |
pieces, and made quite charming and good-looking |
young lady-rather healthy, perhaps. Mr.. Corbet,
as jacob" Boots of the SWAMI Mr.. Barring, as
" Capt Friskly;" Mr. Ommaney as "Pippin," and
Miss Allen, as "sally," acquitted themselves
admirably IN the first piece. Mr.. Brimfeld, as
- Mr. Blowhard," in the second exhibited fine
qualities as a comedian while Lieut.. Wilmot and
Mr.. Corbet, as "Slasber'' and "Crasher," kept the
audience in continual good humor throughout the
piece. From the fact that the company had not
given performance since leaving Valparaiso it was
matter of agreeable surprise that they were
lble to acquit themselves with such perfection,
specially before so many ladies' The generous
,Torts Of the officers in aid of the cause for which
he entertainment was given, will long be remem-
,cred as pleasant Renaissance of their first visit
o Honolulu. 1t was their intention to have given
mother performance, for the benefit of local
harity, but the shortness of their stay prevented
hem from doing