The at first sight unaccountable silence of this popular Society Inst autumn did much to encourage a that the Ama-tour Dramatic Club had succumbed to apathy and to the superior attractions of th Country Club, Lhe burlesque that given in February last to one of the largest houses. if not actually the largest, ever brought together within the walls of the Lyceum, re-assured to a certain extent the friends of the A.D.C.; but there were still croakers who claimed that Orpheus and Eurydice? was an expiring effort. It was therefore with as much curiosity as anticipation of enjoyment, that a moderately large audience assembled on Friday last to attend the Club's eighty-fifth performinee; and it is pleasant to record that the jopnlar verdict was that there is no fear of the proximate demise of the Sncist and that its dissolution would be a public j calamity, ne long as it can present such an admirable rendition of a comedy, as was the performance of Engaged."
Phe entertainment commenced on Friday ured farce, attriid, Cool as a that seems a pity to drag from its respected wich a venerable piece of antiquity as this so-called farce Time was when it was received of laughter self could make a house gh with it now. Certainly no-one but a Charles Mathews could do it; and we could not help pitying Mr, Whittington's well-meant and laborious efforts to extract amusement feom the dull meaningless patter of Mr. Plumper. 'This actor, who made we believe his debut at the Lyceum on Friday, had a thorough knowledge of the text and the business of the part, and the way in which Charles used to play it; but he unfortunately entirely lacks the "touch go' lightness which usable in A character, and y was tuo event and monotonous ically rapid to of unintelligibility.—The other characters in the farce have little to do, and did the best they could, Me. Umbet Me. Naldo a er, wh was quite thrown away as Tt was a pity that the ma did not content them. solves with giving the comedy alone: for the introduction of the farce not only epun the performance out to an excessive length, but it acted as a positive damper on the audience, from which they did not recover until the Brat act of "Engaged" was at Teant half over.
As to M Gilbert's eccentric comedy, "Engaged," we can safely say that nothing 9 good has seen in Shanghai since the' "Wedding March." There la absolutely no plot whatever in this three-act trifle: it is a sustained effort of good-natured cynicism, satirising the canny virtues of the Lowlanders, the Scotch mar-laws, and the humours of marriage-young people. Its attractiveness resides entirely in the dialogue; and had admirably given by everyone concerned, the comedy would have fallen flat as the farce. e who have seen the play bef must have regretted the inevitable excision of Mre. Macfarlane and her daughter Maggie; but this excision was so well managed, that there were no noticeable gaps to those who saw it for the first time, We can congratulate the Club on its uew acquisitions. Mr. Mearthar played Angus Macalister, the fairly pro-lind, ing odd times, and a bit poaching' now and again; and what wi?
illicit whisky etill—and thrown' train off the ling, that the poor distracted pai sengers may come to my cot," with admirable Feslinm of dress and accent. Mrs, Umbe la Treherne was a revelation, Indy has become a finished actress, in Iuoke, gesture and delivery, and she is endowed with a voice which, without being unduly raised or forced into high key, is audible in the remotest corner of the house. The burlesque speeches which the author has put into her mouth—"Tave you with an imperishable ardour which mocks the power of words, I I were to begin to tell you now of the force of my indomitable passion for yon, the tomb would close over me before I could exhaust the entrancing subject. But, as I said before, bu and uns less I can see seme distinct probability that your income will be permanent, I shall have no alternative but to weep my heart out in all the anguish of maiden solitude, uncared for, unloved, and alone!"—were delivered with a mock. serious intensity that was absolutely ircesble. Nor was Miss Barreville at all behind Mrs, Umber in the representation of the contrasting Minnie Symperson. 'The gus' ing but very worldly-wige little ingenue quite too charming, and there was that she was right in not pressing int too hard for sottlements—Papa dear, Lhave thought over the matter very carefully in my little baby-noddle, and have come to the conclusion—dow't laugh at me, dear papa—that it is my duty—my duty—to fall in with Cheviot's views in everything before marriage, and Cheviot'a duty to fall into my views in every thing after marriage, I think that is only fair, don't you?"—Mirs Murray had only a small part as Parker, the pert little maid, but it was excellently performed, and we have seldom seen a more snecesriul debut on the part of a lady. Mr, Super's Cheviot Hill was certainly the best thing he has yet dono in Shanghai, The part, a favourite one of the Into H. J. Byron, is the male part of the piece: it bristles with points, one of which Mr, Saper made effec: tive, while he never permitted himeelf to become obtrusive. Mr. Sorrel, a debutant, was a very fair Bolvawney, and when he has gained a little more confidence and manages his voice a little better, he will be a most useful addition to the Club. Mr. us tial care and study in ary role of Me. Symperson the most ce: envious actors in the company. Mr. Hathaway made sll that could be expected of tha fire-eating Major MeGillicuddy; and true to burlesque traditions, appeared on tour in the Lowlands in full scarlet uniform and cocked hat, The scenery reflected credit on Mr, Goodenongh and his avsistants, the decoration and furnish Symperson'a drawing-room aving been entrusted, as we from the programme, Ca-operative any. The town band to the capable of the Hall & Holtz
under the direction of M. Vila, played a grateful aclection of music; and we may safely say that the house would have been much more crowded—though it was cutie ciently fail—had the public had an idea that it might expect much an excellent performance; that the Club would justify so fully their boast in" Orpheus, and Eurydice,"—" you'll find there's good visit in the (ALD.) Sea
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.