CONCERT IN A PRISON

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1932, Page 6

CONCERT IN A PRISON

WEIRD “FIRST NIGHT

.MINSTRELS AT SING-SING

The world's weirdest “first night" was held in New York on Decern her 14, when 1800 members of the public crowded into the private theatre of i famous iSing-Sing prison to swv the "Sing Sing .Minstrels.’’- The cast were convicts all. When the elite of New York society arrived in their motor cars at the prison gatosj for the show they were handed this list of instructions from the prison governor:—• "Don't display pearls, diamonds, or other jewels. (Don’t tip the ushers. Don't carry a large smii of money. Don't bring firearms, liquor, drugs, or ;tlier contraband inside the walls.'’ There was need for the warning.

Sandwiched between the social stars who sat in the stalls tin- prison governor knew there would he ex-inmate,s of the Sing-Sing cells—men who came from sheer sentiment to hear a fellow-forger sing a Christmas carol in the old home, but who would not be above "lilting' a row of pearls il the debutante in Die

next seat -appeared over-burdened with towels.

trim evening was a huge success. A prisoner tripped merrily across .the stage, full of innocent mirth. A well-known criminal whose last -public , activities ■were on the iloor ol the New \mk Stock Exchange exhibited all hit; old verve in the 'ranks ol the dancing minstrels. A “sing-song" was the finale of a. great show which gave Sing-Sing a new meaning.