ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2063, 14 December 1907, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

COOK COUNTY CURIOUS COONS. LOCAL, MINSTRELS SCORE A JIUGE SUCCESS. The “Coons” made their bow to a Gisborne audience at Jlis Majesty's last evening, ami scored an instantaneous success. For once the newspaper man is freed from tin; eternal curse of “amateur shows,” namely, that in writing Ids notice lie must remember that they are “only ama- ■ tears” and must be treated gently with a criticism that is more generous than frank. The “Coons” .took the boards without any apologies, and they needed none, for their ability to keep a large audience interested and amused for a couple of hours wa® demonstrated beyond question. What an infinite amount of time and trouble must have been taken by these young amateurs during the months of preparation that has occupied the whole of their spare time, and what a magnificent tribute the result has been to the clever training and capable stage managership of tho-e who have been responsible for thi; portion of the work! From the rise of the curtain to its fall the “show” went with a swing that disarmed criticism, and any who went to scoff remained to praise. Proceedings opened with an orchestral selection that was most happily chosen for the class of entertainment it was intended to precede, and “Happy Heinie” put the largo audience that packed the theatre in every part in thorough good humor for what was to follow. The curtain then rose and disclosed a stage picture that has rarely, if ever, been excelled on any vaudeville stage in the Dominion. About 25 burnt cork artists occupied the stage, being dressed in immaculate costumes, and suitably grouped. With a pretty scene as a background the general effect was most artistic. The opening chorus provided the only noticeable defect in the whole entertainment, for the voices started off distinctly Hat. However, the “coon medley” went with a swing, and what was lacking in harmony was made up for in volume. The chorus was concluded by a cakewalk, cleverly danced by a quartet. Next followed a very pretty little “slumber” song “Coo,” sung by Mr. H. J. Grieve, who well deserved the encore that followed. In eccentricity, “Kiss Yo’self Good-bye,” Mr. J. Doro proved himself admirably adapted for this class of item, his dancing being eccentric enough for all requirements. Mr G. Mclsaacs contributed a Cingalese love song, “Ccfiombo,” in a verytasteful manner, and the fine work of the company in the chorus helped to make this one of the best items on the programme. Mr. J, Batchelor’s “Man in the Moon” was an excellent item, and the whistling solo of Mr R. Wilkinson showed that gentleman to he a really marvellous •vhistler. His performance “brought down the house,” and an encore was insisted upon. “Moving. Day-,” another coon item, was chiefly noticeable for the exceptionaO.lv. good dancmg of tlio contributor, Mr. A. L. Robinson. The work of the corner men, Messrs W. D. Bruce and G. H. Buffett was really first-class, and their comicalities kept the aiidience simmering with merriment till the climax of the “jokes” never failed to produce -roars of laughter. The fact that most of the hits had a local flavor did not in the least detract from the general appreciation. Mr. A. G. Laureuson proved a most capable interlocutor. In the second half tho orchestral overture was followed by- a display- yvitli fancy clubs by Mr. Furlow. Mr. N. Galloway came next and sung “Mary of Argyle” yvitli such excellent taste that he was. encored, and responded with “Hearts of Oak.” Mr. Alt. Stenner gave the comic song “A different girl again” in good style, and Mr. A. G. Laurenson contributed an amusing sketch depicting v-arious types of after-din-ner speakers in a cley-er and convincing manner. Mr. D. Trent struck tho right note for such an entertainment, for his song, in military costume, “I want to be a soldier,” went yvitli a fine sxving, and his encore number “Good-bye, syveet Marie, yvas equally acceptable. The coiidmding item yvas a humorous sketch, in winch Messrs Laurenson, Buffett, and Bruce took part, and yvhicli to the delight of the audience terminated by- some mimic rats being made to, career across the stage. The mem-! hers of the company were Messrs W. D. Bruce, N. Galloyvay, It. W. Cary,; J. Batcjielor, P. Galloyvay, G. Mels-', aacs, P. M orris* T. Donovan., A. H.'j Simmonds, H. G. Breams, G H.' Buffett, B C. Baxter, A. L. Robinson, 1) Trent. J. Dore, S. Smith, W. A. Burnand inn, R. Wilkinson,; A. W. Stenner, F. H. Fox, and A. G. Laurenson; Orchestra, Messrs A.; r; l)on (conductor), E. M. Cutlibert! (leader, violin), 11. Parnell (violin),; F. Parnell (vieftin), C. G. Sxvallow, (Hute). F. C Wilkinson (cornet), Jr H. Richards (trombone), J. Adair (’cello), H. Andrews (bass), A. Mu-, lor (drums). A. J. Sutcliffe (pianist).The question of giving future en--ter tain merits lias yet' to bo considercd, but it is practically certain that additional opportunities yvill be provided in the future for residents of tho town and country to witness entertainments by this talented combination. musical festival. A Musical Festival, Yvitli Xmas Tree, is to ibo lield in His Majesty s Theatre on -Monday week, 23rd inst.. under the auspices of Holy Trinity Sunday School. .Attention- is directed to the change otf date; on the tickets now being circulated the date is December 19th. Owing to the Wesleyan congregation having.fixed that date •for a similar entertainment the promoters of the Festival have conceded the day. Those having tickets are asked to alter them accordingly. -Full details of tho entertainment -will he published in due course, and wo are assured that no effort will he spared to make it an unique success. Friends of the children and all yvho wish to assist are asked to .forward gifts of toys for children, and fancy goods, etc., for ciders xvithout- delay. All orders.left with local shops will be sent to tho proper persons at once.