Entertainment.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 379, 13 August 1903, Page 5

Entertainment.

A most successful and enjoyable entertainment was given in the Alexandra town hall on Thursday evening last by the Snowflake Minstrels, the proceeds being in aid of the Brass Bands' Uniform Fund. The building was packed to the doors, there being scarcely standing room at the rear of the hall. The programme opened with a well-played selection by the orchestra —Messrs Briasco (viclin), M'Eachen (cornet), Cairns (piccolo;, Thomson ('cello), and Thomas (piano)—and the curtain then rose, disclosing a circle of minstrels, attired in the style usually associated with nigger minstrelsy. The opening chorus, "Listen to the Band,'' was effectively rendered, and then followed the customary circle I' business "—the cracking of jokes, interspersed with songs and choruses. The jokes were new and crisp, and, being effectively given, were productive of much merriment The local " hits," of which there were not a few, were aleverly treated, and were duly appreciated by the audience. The following songs, with' choruses by the company, were rendered :—Mr W J Scott, "You're my Pet Gal"; Mr W Henderson, "Kitty Carney"; Mr Arnott, " Whisper my name to Nell"; Mr F Smith, " When the Harvest Days are over"; Mr Dorward, "All of Us"; Mr Edgecombe, "Kiss Yo' Liza " ; Mr Gallie, " He's Losing Em "; and Mr Murphy, " Sunny Tennessee " (encored). Each of the items were given in good style, Mr Murphy's contribution being an especially meritorious, one. The first part of the programme concluded with the rendering of " Old Kentucky Home," the solo part being sung in a delightfully pleasing manner by Miss B Spence, who was awarded a well-merited round of applause. We hope to have further opportunities of hearing this young lady's fine voice in the Alexandra hall. Sir A G Murphy acted ably as interlocutor, while Mr W J Scott (bones) and Mr Gallie (tambo) made excellent "corner men," and were assisted by Messrs Edgecombe and Dorward respectively. The orchestra supplied the accompaniments to the various songs in their well-known excellent style.

The second part of the programme opened with an amusing sketch entitled 11 The Mous9-trap," the characters beitig sustained by Mr and Mrs Dumsday. The acting was really excellent, and the audience were kept interested and amused throughout the piece. The programme concluded with another amusing sketch, entitled "The Baby Elephant," in which Messrs Murphy, Edgecombe, Dorward, and Dumsday took part. This production was also provocative of much laughter, and the performers were greeted with a liberal round of applause. During the interval, Mr Oloss presented Bandmaster Bringans with a gold albert and pendant from the citizens, reference to which is made elsewhere in this issue. Mr Oloss also returned thanks to the performers and to the audience for their liberal patronage. A well-attended dance was held subsequently. The gross proceeds will total about .£3O, which will enable the trustees to materially reduce the debt on the Band's uniforms.