ENTERTAINMENTS,

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2073, 27 December 1907, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS,

THE HOAVARD A 7 ERNON CO. “A TRIP TO CHINATOAVN.” His Alajesty’s Theatre was packed to the doors last evening, when tho Howard Vernon Company gave its initial performance. It was a real holiday “house,” and before tho curtain went up “standing room only” was announced both upstairs and down. The entertainment was entitled “A Trip to Chinatown,” and it might with equal justice have been designated “Ciiaifloy’s Aunt” for all the (resemblance it had to the sparkling American comedy which Harry Connor brought through New Zealand a, few years ago. However, the old saying, “AVliat’s in a name?” holds good in this instance, and the largo audience was not disposed to quibble over names so long as the fare was good, and in this respect tho hearty enjoyment of all was so apparent as to leave no room to cavil. The veteran, Air. Howard A T ernon, naturally appropriated the chief part, and the dominant personality of this accomplished actor quickly made an impression on the audience. Any who anticipated any waning of tho old favorite’s powers must have met with an agreeable surprise, for in his virility and subtle humor there was still all the charm of one of the truest artists that have walked the boards in Australasia. From tho time ho fairly “brought down the house” with his fine rendering of “AVe take off our hats to the King” to the end of the performance Air. A 7 ernoh, who took the part of AVelland Strong, completely captivated his audience. His assumption in the third act of a Chinese garb brought memeories of old triumphs as Koko in “Die Alikado,” and a murmur of applause went round the house, which burst into a roar as he gave in his own inimitable style tho “Alerr.y, little, fat, grey man.” The remainder of the cast was not a strong one, and this was scarcely required, for the semblance of a plot was utilised as a medium for the introduction of ' a large number of songs and dances with which the time was beguiled in a very iileasant manner. Air. J. R. Howard gave a capital! representation of Ben Gay, an elderly gentleman of effervescent spirits and amorous instincts who was determined to “have a fling,” and Aliss J. Turner gave a very clever performance of a French maid, singing one or two songs very prettily. Miss Vinia do Loitte as the widow, Airs. Guyer, had a deal to do both in acting and singing, and did it very well. She has a pleasing soprano voice, and rendered a number of very acceptable items. Air. Carl Bello, as a waiter with’ humorous tendencies, carried out his part faithfully, and provided abundant amusement. Aliss AA\ Thorpe took the part of Rasfleigh Gay very creditably, and was particularly successful in a number of songs, most of which'wore encored. The performance was capitally staged and went exceedingly well throughout. To-niglit a French musical comedy, “Alacairo,”. will be given.