ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 257, 25 July 1919, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

FAREWELL CONCERT GOOD-BYE TO MK. LEN. BAENES. ■ Tlio concert tendered to Mr. Len. Barnes at tho Town Hall last evening Alaska brilliant success froin every point of view. There was distinct eclat about the programme and its performance, and the- very largo audience which filled nearly every seat in the hall thoroughly appreciated the unusually good fare, provided from the opening to the closing item. Enthusiasm marked its course, and encores were inevitable in every instance. The Savago Club's orchestra, under Mr. H. M'Connsh, played a swinging march as a prelude to the concert. Miss Anne Sullivan, who was in good voice, sang "The Bells of St. Mary's" very sweetly, and as an encore that charming ballad "I Know a Garden" (Guy d'Hnrdelot). Mr. W. .W. Crawford, an eccentric comedian, who is always so welcome, soon had Hie Audience in a State of unrestrained giggle in the sketch, "My Wedding," and was every bit as funny in that weird jumble of all the popular recitations ever composed, entitled "Mixed." Another popular performer was Mr. H. F. Wood, whose tenor voice was heard to fine advantage in "Mattinata" (Leoncavallo); recalled, he sang "Take a Pair o'f Sparkling Byes." The dainty and characteristic dancing of Miss Thurza Rogers, who, attired in winter white, danced a vigorous Polish dance with consummate grace, was much enjoyed. Signor Lucien Cesaroni, who is a settled favourite with AVellington audiences, sang the "Infelice" aria from "Emani," throwing a great deal of feeling into his singing. As encores he sang "Beneath l'liy Window (Di Capua), and "Parted" iTosti). Mr. Martin Duff who was suffering from a slHvt cold, eang "The Message" in fine spirit, and, as an encore, 'La Donna Mobile," from "Bigoletto," which is always so popular with audiences._ Iho first part concluded with the singing of the duet sung by the Count di Luna and Leonora in "II Trovatore" J by Miss Teresa M'Bnroe and Mr. Len. Barnes (who, by the way. received a great reception). l >The voices blended well, and absolute pitch was maintained throughout the number. The performance roused the audience to enthusiasm, and the final half of the duet had to be repeated In the second part the audience was introduced to Percy Grainger s oddljr beautiful colonial song, "Sentimentals, which is a somewhat vaeue endeavour to embody the yearning after musical expression in the Australian character, it is written for an orchestra, soprano, and tenor and was very admirably sung indeed by .Miss M'Enroo and Mr. H. F Wood, whilst Mr. Harold Whittle did wonders at the piano. Mr. Lcn. Barnes, who was given Mother warm greeting, sang "The Calf ot bold, Mephistoplieles, song in "Faust, which ha sang with robust fervour and jovial gusto. On receiving a hail of applause Mr. Barnes came forward and thanked everyone concerned for the''honour done him A? an encore he sang that stirring ballad, "Danny Deever" (composed on Kipling's verses). Again the audience approved, and Mr. Barnes responded with "Koute Marching (Stock). A new and charming eingor, Mrs. Billie ,ween (lately from Dunedin) sang 'Prelude (Landon Honald), and, as an .encore, gave nice point to "Philosophy. .Mr. Albert Russell, the irrepressible oomique, raade a distinct hit in "Senorn, Pnce_ ; less Percy," and "On Tour Honeymoon, and no one was more vociferously popular on the bill. Mr. Barnes and Mr. Martin, Duff sane the duet, Watchman, What of the Ni?ht?" most effective y, and were'encored. As agrand finale. Miss M'Enroe, Mr. H. V. Wood, and Si<mor Cesaroni sane that stimulating trio, "Holy Angels," from "Faust, which was sung with splendid fervour. The accompaniments were played by Messrs Harold Whittle and Frank Thomas in the best styie.

DIGGERS' DIVISIONAL PIEREOTS. Another largo audience' assembled .at the Opera House last evening to enjoy the entertainment provided by the Uiggers' Divisional Pierrots, who have been warmly welcomed wherever they- have appeared. Tho female impersonations of Private Stanley Lawoa. are exceedingly telever, while the 'comedy work: of U«> rama is mirth provoking. M.essr e Exton, Soobell. Proctor, French, and Perkins routed their successes of the previous evening, the concerted number ine Cornfields" by Messrs. _ Simpson,, ixton, Proctor, and'perkins-being a particularly basing item. The "Padre" as sketched I,y Lieutenant Q. P. Hanna was delightful while his charcoal drawings were decidedly clever. '"Tho Leave Irani and "The Music Hall," .two excellent burlesques created great amusement. Hie Diggers , will repent their entertainment this evening and to-morrow evening, and th°re ivill be a matinee to-morrow, wlien children will be admitted at half-price. THE~DANDIES. The Dandies and the Kenuedy Comedy Company appeared again at the Co, "*™ Chamber, Town Hall, last night, and repeated the new programme presented on Wednesday evening. Tho Kennedy Company provided the first part. Mr. ls.cilh Kennedy's violin solos woro particularlj enjoyable, and the other members ot the combination also gave pleasing musseaj numbers. Tho Dundiw. m the second part, appeared in two good concerten numbers, "The Story of Einnegaiiis Kace and "The Bogey Man Rag." The individual contributions of The Dandies were bri'lit, tuneful, and amusing. The two companies will present their programme again this evening.