Foxton Dramatic and Musical Club.

Manawatu Herald, 9 June 1898, Page 2

Foxton Dramatic and Musical Club.

« OPENING CONCERT.

On Tuesday evening the members of the above Club opened their season by giving a concert, which was enjoyed by one of the largest houses of front seat audiences we have seen for many a day'. Owing to misfortunes which seem always to be with an amateur concert the stage manager found it impossible to adhere to the programme, owing to some of the expected performers indulging in the old Scriptural excuses for not showing up. The Club has been lucky in securing a fine staff of president and vice-presidents and it was pleasing to see that they appreciated the compliment paid them by being present. As we had two visitors from Palmerston it is a pleasure to say that their efforts to help were very much appreciated, and the singing of Madame Louise Thompson of the favourite " Coming thro' the Rye " and " Don't be Cross," was all that could be wished. This lady also sang two duets with Mr Rodgers, one " A. 8.C." and the other " Maying." It is hardly necessary to say that all the items were heartily applauded, and for the song " Coming thro' the Rye " and the duet " A.8.C." an encore could not be denied. Mr Rodgers, who possesses a fine deep voice sang two solos "My Pretty Jane," and " The Vision," and received prompt recognition of his rendering. In response to an encore for his second solo " The Yeoman's Wedding " was given. The best item on the programme was without doubt the trio by Mr and Mrs W. Cook and Miss Collins "Ye Shepherds, Tell Me." The voices went well together. In response to a most enthusiastic encore, the last verse was repeated. Miss Collins sang very sweetly and correctly " Venetian Song " and " Cherry Ripe." Miss West's song " Bid Me to Love," with a violin obligato, so pleased the audience that a repetition of the last verse had to be given. Miss Hamer sang " She Wore a Wreath of Roses," and received a merited encore. The first overture was very nicely played by Mrs Martin and Miss Hamer, the overture to the second part being played by the Misses Harris and Purcell. The violin solo by Mr Silk "Jerusalem," was much admired, and in response to the inevitable encore he played "Life's Dream is o'er," Mr Alf Fraser recited "The Dandy Fifth " in excellent style, working up to the points with warmth and energy. There was no encore, because the gentleman did not respond to the applause that followed the end of the piece. Mr Thos. Westwood gave the introduction to " An Oration on the Labour Question," in which he showed much stage ability, but he cut the subject matter rather too short. Mr F. R. Young, as usual, brought down the house with a comic song, and had to give an extra verse. Mr J. McQueen not only gave his capital " patter " in character, but in the last item he electrified the audience by his remarkable activity. He proved himself an athlete of no mean order, as besides, during a smart step dance, turning some neat somersaults, he also did that which few acrobats in training can do, and certainly not cleaner than Mr McQueen did, that of pretending to slip and thus seating himself on the floor with a leg pointing in opposite directions straight out, this is admittedly difficult but his recovery to a standing position was done far neater and quicker. Mr McQueen has got the Foxton audience fully with him and most deservedly so. Mrs Cook, Mrs F. R. Young, Madame Thompson, and Miss Hamer played the accompaniments during the evening. The stage manager must not be forgotten as he deserves more than a word of praise for the transformation of the appearance of the stage.