ST MARY’S CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1930, Page 3

ST MARY’S CLUB

SPLENDJ D ENTERTAINMENT. Those bent on hearing a good entertainment were amply rewarded last evening when the young ladies of St. Mary’s, under the name of the “Merry Maiden Entertainers” presented a first class concert at St. Alary’s Club. The hall was packed and judging by the applause accorded, the audience were well treated. Each item went off smoothly and during the varied programme there was not a dull moment. Rev. Father McKay introduced the performers and, on their behalf extended a welcome. He mentioned it was the initial appearance of the young ladies and lie felt that with confidence gained, they would he urged to present similar functions.

The staging and lighting effects Were excellent and reflected credit on those concerned.

The accompanists were Misses L. Dale, M. Knowles, and B. Franks, while throughout the evening Miss Franks played bright incidental music. The concert opened with a chorus “The ‘Belles’ of £t. Mary’s,” the performers were attired in blue paper costumes, creating a nice .setting for the song, the words of which were appropriate to the occasion. The second chorus was “Painting the Clouds'with Sunshine.” Both numbers were very bright and were a good opening. The recitation “'White Roses” by Mi.ss M. McGavjn, was' pleasing and well done. Misses E. Groufsky and N. Wonnibgton’s dance . “Spring” was gracefully performed and much applauded.. The

trio character song, “Bird in the Hand” iv Misses M. Han rah an, II Groufsky arid J. Warren was well, -sung. Their make up was the cause of much laughter. Miss Mascot Blake recited the “Doctor,” the tiny tot doing very well. The playette “Their New Paying Guest” was splendid, the different, characters being well maintained. Miss I. Wormington played the nervous mother to perfection, ably assisted by her two daughters, played by Misses N. Wormington and E. Hanrahan. Miss L. Ua'e’s part as the maid was splendid and lent much comedy to the plot, while the “Paying Guest” was ably enacted by -MissiM- Taylor. The,;theme of' the play cqncgnied. a humblefamily who were to haye. a gues.t, supposed; to, be insane. ,- Their attempts at efforts, to deal with; their- queer friend and the gradual .unwinding of the play, caused much imb r rim err 1. 1 > The next .Item, “Shipping Song’rby iMiss:M.;;Grc(uf?ky was nicely sung ,and .action,well done, rhe Highland . Fling; by iMiss > Doreen, dickering, wjnsoft; goods ealso' appeared lateriitn the. evening in a “Toe Dance.” The- •- chorus “Silver Threads Among the Gold,” a popular song, proved a favourite, as was tire sencoud chorus ‘'Smiling- Irish Eyes.” The second playette ““The Beauty Parlour” was a scream. The characters were pbrtrayed' : bj (ll A|is-s B. Stephens (Beauty : Specialist);• Mifis M. Stephens" (Assistant), Customers —Miss' M: Murphy, ,31. AfcGiiviH "I. Davidson 'and S. Grouisky; : - The” Various parts-"were well .played. “‘‘What “with one Wanting her face “lifted”, another seeking l a remedy to reduce weight, and a husband wariHng Miis''''wff^s- : tormer "ieaitty stored ere the celebration of their silver wedding, the audience were,.- kept;, highly amused. , -The “Coinejiiiek : t(tJi)rinT’ was sung; M. Hanrahart 'assisted by a dfffirVis'L Th.e song suited Miss Hanrahan and her nlensing voice was much appreciated. The part song “Sunshine” was very nice and well rendered. Miss N. Wormington’s humorous'recitation “At the Dentists” was well given. The comedy in two acts “At the Ticket Office” and the “Pit During a Pantomime” caused a good laugh. The cast included Ticket Clerk: Miss 31. Taylor ; Theatre goers : —3liss J. Warren, N. Keen, R. Murphy, S. Groufsky, M.McGavin, M. McMullan, I. Davidson, J. Wormington, and E. Hanrahanrt The play opened with li ticket office scene. The different characters appearing, and their humorours interludes caused much laughter. The .second act was in the theatre where all were seated for the show. However, all was not well with the company, as a lady seated in front in an enormous hat, proved a nuisance. Much heckling from the rear failed to remove the (Obstruction and after a word from a rather henspecked husband, the hat was removed and the performance continued. The song and drill item “Rag Dolls” was well rendered, the various antics of the performers causing much fun. The chorus “Off to Dixie” was sung hi true darky spirit. God Defend New Zealand was sung and the entertainment concluded with the National Anthem. Thus ended a very bright display and the audience were delighted with the efforts of those concerned.