The Reporter.
—§ — Benefit Entertainment.
There was a good attendance at the Town Hall last evening, when local amateurs possessing musical and histrionic gifts of varying degrees of proficiency entertained, to the best of their ability, those who by their presence testified sympathy with the object in view, viz : —The relief of the family of a resident who had met with misfortune. Remembering that the entertainment was a benefit, we are constrained to be indulgent in our criticism. It is not an
easy matter sometimes for the pro-
moters of entertainments in comparatively small communities to make up a * bill of fare,’ and it, therefore, often happens, in such cases, that some of those who are asked to assist know their weakness, and inability, when making their appearance on a public platform, yet when asked to contribute they do not like to refuse compliance. Thus it comes about that those who ask and those who are asked (who, consenting, appear) sometimes jointly trespass on the good nature of an audience. In such instances it is only fair that the will should be taken for the deed, and that as all cannot be first class musicians one should be, at least, a little kind towards all those who are willing to aid in a good cause, even though their gifts and attainments are not of a high order. It is only right that we should point out respecting last evening’s entertainment that some of the vocalists are not possessed of voices of sufficient power to enable them to do justice to the individual selections made, and that in some instances those selections were not of the happiest, being too pretentious. These remarks are not made in a carping spirit, hut are prompted by the kindliest of feelings, and we hope will be so accepted.
Punctually at 8 o’clock Mrs Collett commenced the first part with a pianoforte selection from ‘ Oberon,’ which was admirably played, and, evidently, thoroughly appreciated. Miss Maxton followed with ‘ True Hearts across the
Sea,’ the singing of this pleasing number evoking applause. ‘ Anchored ’ was then sung by Mr Sutherland, who was heartily encored on his first public appearance in Kaikoura ; in response he gave a recitation. Miss Boulter contributed that beautiful rnelodv entitled ‘ Whv do Summer Roses Fade,’ which was well received. Mr Boyens was in faily good voice, and sang ‘ After the Ball ’ in his wellknown and
highly appreciative style, obtaining a well merited encore, to which ho re- [ ■ponded. Mrs Collett and Miss Isa McLauchlan next played, very well, a pleasing pianoforte duet, which sained marks of approbation. Miss Maggie Gibson was encored for ‘ A Song of the Nest,’ and in response substituted another composition, which the audience applauded. ‘ Whisper and I shall Hear’ was capitally sung by Miss Davidson, who gained a very warm encore, response being made. Mr Hitchcock sang * Monks of Old,’ and was accorded a vociferous recall, to which he complied with * Nancy Lee.’ The duet * All’s Well’ brought Messrs John Smith and Boyens to the fore. Their joint efforts evoked all round applause, and their reappearance being demanded they responded. This concluded the first part of the entertainment. Accompaniments were played by the Misses Davidson, Toothil! and Rowley. After a commendably short interval Miss Davidson (piano) and Mr Washington (violin) played an inspiriting overture, at the conclusion of which the curtain rose on the drama entitled • First Mate ' which was presented in good style. It is a very good piece and all the parts in it were on the whole, well sustained, some, indeed, in an excellent manner. As, with one exception, those engaged in the piece elected to appear under assumed names we must respect the annoymity of the adoption of a nom de theatre, therefore Mr Stuhbersfield is the only member of the dramatis personae who can be
personally referred to. His representation of the character of Finch was a capital one, and he played it admirably throughout. He was seen at bis best in it, and it can he set. down as bis master piece. Old Braddock is a difficult part to play, but as it was entrusted to painstaking and capable hands the character was very well sustained. The part of Jack Braddock, though not a prominent one, was well filled, while that of Mr Brogden found n fairly good exponent. Wattie was amusingly played, and Slice satisfactorily. Mrs Braddock was presented without animation, as intended, being an invalid. The part of Letty Lansdale was one of the best sustained in the drama, an intelligent reading of the character being given by the lady to whom it was entrusted, Rhoda was also well played, the character being a companion part to ~Wattie, the pair causing much amusement, while Rhoda brought down the house at their dual exit. 'The chief figure in the drama is that of Deborah (her father’s ‘ first mate'), and it certainly was made so by Airs—(we beg pardon) —Miss Georgie Debrusa. The character was very well pourtrayed indeed. Deb is a large hearted, vivacious girl, and so the part was presented. Humour and pathos, animation and despair (or, at any rate, despondency) were presented by turns (as required) with admirable effect. Deb’s kaleidoscopical nature was depicted with admirable effect, evoking frequent applause and mirth. She and Finch, together, caused much hilarity the laughter being prolonged. The play concluded, in an effective manner, with the Chorus of ‘ Jack’s Come Home,’ and the curtain was rung down amid loud applause. The play went well throughout, the interest of the audience being maintained from start to finish ; | demonstrations of approval and bursts i of laughter were provoked during the I whole time.
Miss Davidson played ‘ God Save the Queen,’ and the hall was then cleared for dancing, which was indulged in for a couple of hours.
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Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 757, 20 July 1894, Page 3
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968The Reporter. Kaikoura Star, Volume XIV, Issue 757, 20 July 1894, Page 3
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