Mohawk Minstrels.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 152, 9 July 1901, Page 2

Mohawk Minstrels.

The Mohawk Minstrels and Variety Company gave their first performance in Gisborne last- evening, when they were greeted with a large and appreciative audience, the Academy of Music being fairly well filled. Considering that many members of the company were new to the minstrel business, the entertainment was most successful, and the audience were most liberal in their applause, encores being the order of the evening. The company includes several very fair performers, who with a little training would take a leading place in variety minstrelsy. Mr H. Jackson made a great hit in the coon and. coster numbers, “ Keep Dora Gates Wide Open ” and “ The Difference Between East and West,” and was compelled to respond to an encore on each occasion. Mr C. Forman gave a spirited rendering of 11 Boys of the Old Brigade,” which was enthusiastically received. His comic song, “Mr Dooley’s Geese,” was another excellent item. Mr Forman has a baritone voice of good quality, and with a little training should become a great favorite in musical circles. Mr J. Hill gave a successful rendering of “ The Holy City,” which was received with much applause. He was also heard to advantage in the sentimental song, “On the Banks of the Wabash.” Miss Banks sang “ Who Cares for Mother Now ” in a pleasing manner, and received lan imperative encore. She responded ! with a recitation entitled The Life Boat,” which was splendidly given, and was generally admitted to bo one of the gems of the evening. Mr D. O'Neill displayed a good deal of ability in the coon song “ Whistling Coon,” and Miss licid created a mose favorable impression in the ballad “ Bring Me Back the One I Love.” Mr A. Webb gave a capital recitation, and also took a leading part in the minstrel portion of the programme. Messrs S. Lownds and T. Holdsworth were also contributors towards the first part of the programme, and came in for a fair share of the honors cf the evening The songs by the company were well rendered. Mr W. Andrews’ comic chant song, “ Khaki all over the Shop ” was cleverly given, and fairly brought down . the house. He was also a 1 towor of j strength to the company in the burlesqued “ High Life in a Fourpennv Restaurant,” and “ The Dissecting Room.” The entertainment provided a good night’s amusement. On behalf of the management, Mr Andrews announced that it was intended to give a performance once a month, and the next one would be in aid of some charitable institution, fjobably the hospital,