AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1928, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

1928 REVEILLE. HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTION. The 1928 Reveille produced, at the Princess Theatre last, evening by local talent under the direction of the producer, iur IV. Lints, of Wanganui, was a highly successful production. It is not too much, to say that the diversified entertainment took the, audience by surprise and. storm. Despite the atrocious wenthor and heavy rain, there was a very largo attendance, and the audience had not a dull moment. More than a score of different items were presented, and every appearance met with a generous measure of appreciation. The production was distinctly successful from every point of view.

The stage presentation was unusually lavish. Mr Lints carries a complete set of scenery and costuming which appears to leave nothing to be desired. The stage picture Was heightened by colored lighting and flood lights, and enhanced an otherwise wonderful picture The dressing was distinctive in every detail, the frocking of the large number of performers entailing a very extensive wardrobe. The whole production in itself was complete and distinctive given an excellent finish and always winning unstinted applause.

It certainly appeared rather remarkable that in so short a time Mr Lints should have produced so attractive a production. It. is evident there is much Intent talent hero, and. in his master hand and with complete discipline'with all the groups, the. success was outstanding. The performers deserve every credit for their, good showing. They presented a fine stage appearance, deported themselves well, and provided genuine entertainment of quite a high standard. “Well done, Hokitika,’’ was quite a. general verdict passed last evening.

There was no doubt about the success of the show from the very bright opening of the Reveille with sun ray effects and spirited stage movements. The colour soheme was always good and the dressing pleasing specially heightening the general effect. The Cherry Blossom s-cene was very effectively arranged. Mrs Harrison was the solo- . ist and. a large chorus did some p-leas-I mg grouping. The Bon Bon Ballet was a bright number by a bevy of young girls who infused plenty of snap into their work. Miss Jean Walker was the soloist in the Pyjama number singing well and supported by eight young ladies who-filled the picture well. The Pierrot ballet was distinctive, and a feature of the good dancing. “By the Gay Seaside,’’ soloist Miss A. Lynn, there was another pleasant scene, the stage being filled with smartly costumed girls. The Human Statuary was one of the best sections of the whole : programme. A very smart class took part' in this, and the grouping and ■ posiiig wore excellent. A little better lighting in this scene would have made the item even more outstanding. There • was a mirth provoking, playette “The Intruder.” Miss Ina Howard was the soul-scared wife, Miss P. Thompson a scream c.f a servant, and Miss Nancy : Wright, a light and airy skeleton. It was a roaring comedy for the audience who enjoyed the points so cleverly '. made by the promising performers.

“Haiwatha” (soloist Mrs Harrison), Wfs one of those feature scones in which Mr Lints’ taste in production excels. It was a charming number. The aerial one step, an acrobatic dance by Miss ltita Morgan and Mr Lints was an outstanding feature. The tricky dancing was neatly- stepped, and the acrobatic cleverly done. The performers were accorded an ovation. Mr Stopforth was the soloist in a Hawaiian specialty number with palm effects. Here again there was another captivating stage picture of very pleasing effect. The Palace of cards was an effective specialty in marching and grouping. Tulip Time in Holland, with Miss Haney Wood as soloist added still more pleasant variety to a continually changing programme. Mr W. Lints in his exhibition of clubs, glass bowls and hall manipulations did some clover work. He had the assistance of two Teddy Bears (Alexis Campbell and Connie Staines) who “performed” as to the manner born. This item found special favour with a much delighted audience'. The smart military ballet b,v ten young ladies was novel and interesting at every turn and was a fine feature of the programme. Probably the event,of the evening to really “bring down the house’’ was the Scarecrow Ballet. This was a comedy item and every individual performed excellently. It was a scene in which even the performers revelled and had as much fun as the delighted audience. The Piccaninnies’ Paradise, in which Peggy Gillooly sang a pleasing solo, was greeted with much applause. “When You and I were Seventeen” was a featured song in which Mr Stopforth sang the solo. A Spinning Top Ballet was another of those striking dance successes included in the good programme. “Tlie Navy,” soloist Miss A. Lynn, with signalling effects, was quite a charming number. Much amusement was caused in the Reveille Chinese Boys chorus in which Mr Lints introduced several locnl hits to the great delight of tbe auditors. “Ramona,” soloist Miss Rita Morgan, featured a popular song of the day in very pleasing manner. The Dutch Living Pictures by Miss A. Lynn and the producer, was ohq of the prettiest items on the programme. Miss Lynn was an ideal Gretehen and Mr Lints was Hans. The setting was most effective and tlie poses artistic. The living pictures were followed by a, song and dance. The Shivery Trio by Misses Thompson, M. Coulson and Howard was just a rocking comedy in which all excelled, pourtraying the stage slavery on orothodox lines. In point of fact it was an uproarious' number as far as die audience was concerned, for laughter had to hold “both its sides.” The Grand Reveille March with which tlie wonderful programme concluded, found over 100 performers on the stage. There were special electrical effects and the whole n wonderful scheme of colour and movement. It was a remarkable fine finish to a very distinctive

programme. In giving praise all round, tbe supporting efforts of the orchestra,_ Mrs Carver (piano), Mr 0. Ross (violin), Mr L. Ross (cornet) and Mr Balthrop (drums! must be mentioned specially. The aid lent by the orchestra was indisnonsihle, and was one ol the factors in tlie outstanding success. The invisible actors responsible for the quick changes in the scenery anil the prompt ;tage presentations also deserve nun tion. Indeed one and all sec 1 contribute providing an entertainment which proved to lip a sheer delight and of great credit to all concerned. TO-NIGHT. To-night, the Reveille wilj again ho

presented with many new novel numbers. In view of last night's presentation it is hardly necessary to impress on our readers the advice not to miss such a sterling production which will he on equally attractive 'lines as last night when everyone was so delighted. MATINEE TO-MORROAV AFTERNOON’.' The Reveille will give a matinee tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon for the benefit of country people and school children. The programme will include among its many pleasing items the very successful finale as presented last evening. and the beautiful lighting effects.