“HANS THE BOATMAN.”

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 186, 23 August 1888, Page 2

“HANS THE BOATMAN.”

Prate about the depression as we will, Gisborne people are never found without response when a first-class theatrical Company pays us a visit. So it wis again proved on Tuesday night when the second perfor-

mance of “ .Hans the Boatman ” took place. A capital house greeted the performers. Enough has been said to show the nature of the plot, which is simplicity in itself, but the acting adorns it with a radiance and a

cloud which create the most intense interest all through. No gay scenic effect is required to engage the attention of the audience; none of the “I’ll-have-yer-blood ” style about it, or the flightiness of the balletdancer. There is a certain beauty about the performance which commends it to every man and woman. It may appeal to the pit by the genuine fun which runs through it, but with that fun—rising far above the mere humorous side—there is a something which trills through one and compels us to indulge in profound admiration of the noble and kindly characteristics that are represented to us. We feel that we would like to step forward

aud give Hans that hearty grip which comes from the impulse of the heart—we cannot help admiring his faults, while it is almost impossible to help envying him when kissing the innocent and bewitching “ kiddies.” There is an elevating tone about the whole piece, and a fascination which can hardly be explained until we remember that we see before us a man giving full expression to a guileless nature — “ No child had everbeating in its breast A heart like unto his.” Mr Arnold seems to take no heed of his audience—he goes through his part with a naturalness that carries with it more than a

fading impression. When he laughs gaily and merrily romps with the delighted kiddies, it is no use, we must give way to the simplicity and mirth of the occasion ; when Hans laughs and the kiddies laugh, so must we, and we feel that we can throw our whole souls into the enjoyment of the scene. Miss Alice Norton, as Gladys Farwell, has the gifts of the true actress, and there is a charm and pathos in all her actions; whilst “ Jeffie ” (Miss Jessie Grey) plays her part capitally. We first put her down as an unpromising, pert little hussy, and feel inclined to congratulate Hans on his escape from the meshes which the self-willed Kate had laid for him, but that feeling is changed to admiration when we see that there is a good heart beneath the saucy exterior, and when she finds that Hans has made in her eyes, the awful mistake of falling in love with “ that city doll,” her championship of his virtues, in face of the enraged father, makes us excuse her for all her faultsMr Gladstone takes the part of Mr Far-

well with a clear conception of the character he represents, and to which he is well able to adapt himself. Old Yank Thursby (Mr Leake), with his droll sayings and cautious shakes of the head, gets well liked by everyone, and the scoundrel Darrel Vincent (Mr Stuart) gets equally well hated. Lieutenant Finch (Mr Bryant), the honest sailor, looks every inch the character he represents. Of the 11 kiddies,” little May Hannan, “ the baby coquette," seems the most lovable. Mr Arnold has the wonderful power of making children actors without depriving them of their childishness. They seem to feel in Hans a friend, in all their sorrows and a partner in their joys. “Lion,” the clever and faithful St. Bernard dog, is a noble-looking animal, and shows remarkable sagacity, although he has not a great deal to do. Gladys Farwell played her part capitally all through, and ot Mr Arnold more need hardly be said. The drama is a wholesome one—some of the incidents may to us appear strange, but it is full of heartstirring pathos, and is of strong humour. It has its darker shades, but on the whole it is light, gay and humorous. The musical portion of the entertainment is a treat in itself. Mr Arnold has a pleasant voice, and his songs are appreciated in every instance. Herr Kuster is a clever violinist, and his imitation of the bagpipes was vociferously applauded, and only a repetition would give satisfaction. “ Hans the Boatman ” will be put on the boards to-night for the last time when there is expected to be a large number in from the country.