First-class Entertainment At Sanatorium

Chronicle (Levin), 2 June 1949, Page 2

First-class Entertainment At Sanatorium

Entertainment of a very high order was provided for those who were privileged to attend the concert at the Otaki Sanatorium on Tuesday evening. The performers were the patients and staff, and many members of the audience offered the opinion that most numbers would not have been out of place on the programme ' of any professional variety show. Dr. C. F, Wilson, medical superintendent, in welcoming those present, said that the concext had been arranged as a means of expressing the thanks of the inmates to those who had so willingly given them assistance in so many ways. He trusted that the enthusiasm and intensive preparation which had taken p^ce would be feflected in ' the performance, and paid a tribute to the organiser, Mr. A.' Lumley, who, all would be pleased to learn, was rapidiy recovering from a recent indisposition. Dr. Wilson's remarks were greeted with applause.. 1 The first surprise was evident on the rise of the curtain, most picturesque seene being presented in the gaily decorated stage, with a background of soft greenery and pastel shade'd flowers and a chorus of some 30 artists, some of the-m in very striking costume. The eifeet was most triking and made great appeal. Fofiowing the opening chorus, seven Maori maidens sang very sweetiy. Next came pianofore numbers, with accompaniments. A short sketch. entitled "Administering Angels" and depicnng two nurses discussing their duties and their patients, brought forth fits of laughter, some of the humour provided being outstanding. Miss Nesta Henwood pleased with a recitation, after which Miss Nell ( Christie, in costume, danced the Highland fling. A piano accordeon medley, with the audience singing the popular choruses, was given : y Mr. L. Housiaux, this being followed by a comic song, a^o very well received, by Mr. H. Jackson. A shadow show was another comedy number which brought the house down, this centring around a young married couple an'd their preparations ,'to "get ready to go out." Further action songs and a huia dance were provided by the Maori maidens, complete with . piupius, followed by a solo by Miss Petitt, after which Mrs. W. Duncan presented a musical monologue. A duet followed and then another . comedy sketch, "Over the Garden Wall," this number proving high'y entertaining. Miss Pearl Trojan gave a recitation. Miss Poutama, who it was said had "never been taught a note of music, played paris of the "Warsaw Concerto." Anpther high class number followed, entitled "The Mosquito Ballet." The six nurses taking part were in costume, with mosquito net headgear and armed with spray guns, and a large mosquito was suspcnded from the stage. Miss Dorothy Bates revealed herseJf as the possessor of a very sweet voice, being heard to advantage in a duet with Mr. Lumley. Messrs J. and D. Raika and H. Johnson contributed solos with a string accompaniment. A Maori trio gave a variety of numbers, after which the curtain was rung down on the show with a final chorus by the whole party. The audience was not slow to record its appreciation of all numbers and a rousing reception was accorded them. Accompanists were Miss Poutama and Mr. N. Walker, and to them and others who had helped in any way Mr. Lumley extended thanks. He also thanked the audience for so generously receiving the whole show. A wellwisher presented the female members of the party with bunches of violets, a gesture much appreciated.