MUSIC, MIRTH AND MASQUE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 297, 4 September 1918, Page 6

MUSIC, MIRTH AND MASQUE

A CAPITAL ENTERTAINMENT. One of the most charming, and at the same time ambitious, entertainments given in the patriotic cause was that arranged by Miss Mary Butler and others for the Victoria League French Fund, and which took place in the Concert Chamber last-evening before a crowded audience. Hia Excellency tho Governor-General and the Countess , of Liverpool were also present. The fact that a. programme of such variety, representing so much thought and work) should , have been crowded into the ono evening was indicative of the enthusiasm which must , have inspired all concerned, and that it should be for "ono night only" is rather a pity, especially in the light of tho public appreciation so generously bestowed. Among the contributions which stood out boldly was the "Living Statuary," in whicli such subjects as "Joan, of Arc," '-A. Breton Peasant Girl" (telling'her rosary in a prayer for the .safe return of the fishing fleet), the grim "Madame Defarge" (the knitting ghoul from Dickens's "K >Tale of Two Cities"). "Cupid" (all armed), and \"Napoleon" figured in pseudo cold marble under tho calcium light. Finally, there was the charming group, "Love and Fate," poetically pictured, with austere Fate cutting the thread with which Cupid would- bind a pair of Arcadian lovers. Tha "Hall of Marbles" represented all the statues in oharming array. Another interesting tableau, "Marie Antoinette with her Children and Maids of Honour," a delightfully arranged croup set in the Trianon Gardens, each figure frocked and delicately tinted after the manner of Gainsborough. Miss GwynMillais looked very handsome as the ill-fated Queon, and 'Miss Joan Beere as the juvenile Dauphin, and Miss Olga do ' Chateau dauced a dainty measure to lilting music. "The Vision of Hope," an animated masque, admirably conceived in tho dramatic spirit, was a feature worthy of more than ordinary commendation. The descriptive lines were clearly and intelligently spoken by Miss Mary Butler. They described how War sounded his dreadful gong, summoning Discord, who is bidden to set the nations at each other's throats. Grief follows War's clamour, but eventually a righteous Victory sits in the throne, and following in her glorious train Peace, Joy, Love, and Harmony prevail. It was a pretty creation, with plenty of action and some pretty dancing. The masque was arranged by Miss Butler, with music adapted by Mr. Frank Johnstone. Miss Lilian Millais was the figure of France militant (a gory poilu).in the tableau, "On les Aura," which pose she maintained whilst M. Eugene . Ossipoff sang "La Marseillaise" in French. Mrs.. H. S. Malcolm sang a couple of familiar vaudeville ditties, and Mrs. Stanley Harcourt recited 1 the poem, "For France." The hilarious Albert Russell made the comedy hit of the evening with "Our Party," to which he had to append "Good-Byee" (with parodied chorus), and the clever recital "Alphonse!" Miss Agnes Segrief and Miss Teresa M'Enroe sang delightfully that entrancing duet, "The Venetian Boat Song," and as an encore the "Barcarolle" from Offenbach's "Tales of Hoffmann." The ontertainment concluded amusing comedietta, "The Bathroom Door," brightly acted by Messrs W. H. E. Cooper and L. Buckeridgo and Misses Isabel Massey, Jessie Newton, Maw Butler, and Valerie Corliss. Mr. W. 11. L. Cornier was the stage manager, and Mr. Frank Johnstone's instrumental trio provided excellent music. The stage decorations were provided 'by Mr. Fnncourt. Several ladies of the Victoria League, disporting tricolour badges, dispensed home-made sweets and programmes, besides acting as ushers and tickettakers.