CONCERT AND PLAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1005, 15 June 1911, Page 2

CONCERT AND PLAY.

The Masonic Hall was packed to the doors last night, the occasion being a concert and play in aid of All Saints’ Church. An excellent musical programme was presented, every pertormer meeting with a good reception, and as a finale the rib-tickling farcecomedy, “ Ici on Parle Francais,” was produced. Mr W. S. Stewart acted as chairman of the function, and appropriately introduced the performers. The opening item was a pianoforte duet nicely executed by the Misses Collins. This was followed by the patriotic song, “ Long Live the King,” which Mr Richards rendered with fine feeling. A song by Mrs Boyes, “ Ea Serenata ” (Braga), with violin obligato by Mr Simmons, was most effective, the voice and instruments blending in a trinity of charming melody. Mr Buglass sang “Scotland Yet” in sympathetic strain, and was warmly applauded. The next item was of unique interest, being a selection (“ In the Gloaming ”) on the one-stringed fiddle, by Mr Simmons ; the softness and richness of the viola-like tone of this instrument probably surprised many people, and the player’s masterful control of its properties won hearty appreciation. A vocal number by Mrs Hall so appealed to her hearers that the desire of the management, that a somewhat lengthy programme should not be extended by the inclusion of encores, became as nought, and the lady singer made a second appearance, and sang with tender sentiment “Alone on the Raft.” Mr Collins sang “ May Morn,” and gave a pleasing interpretation. The comedian, without whom a concert programme would be incomplete, was Mr Yates. His ” Eaughing Eunatic ” was delivered in an eccentric vein, and created roars of laughter and an imperative encore. After responding, Mr Yates was again recalled, and favoured the company with yet another sketch. Miss Barber, who rendered “ Red Roses,” is a young singer of good promise. Mr Jenks scored a vocal triumph in “ Hybias the Cretan,” and afterwards appeared with Mr Buglass, when the duet, “ Queen of Angels,” received adequate treatment. The musical portion of the programme concluded with a comic medley and encore number by Mr Yates. The comedy was enacted in a manner reflecting the greatest credit on those taking part. The plot, as is the case with most comediettas, was extremely attenuated, but this defect was amply compensated by extravagant situations and first-class foolery. The curtain rose (metaphorically, for a drop scene was wanting) on a suburban drawing room, where domestic amenities are in progress between Mr Spriggins (Mr A. Boyes), Mrs Spriggins (Mrs Stewart), their daughter, Angelina (Mrs Boyes), and the maid of all work, Anna Maria Clemett). Spriggins’ “ Ici on Parle Francais,” displayed on a card in a front window, attracts M. Victor Hugo Dubois, a Frenchman in search of lodgings, who discovers in Angelina his longsought ideal. In order that he may advance his suit, Dubois hires a room from Spriggins at an exorbitant price. Accompanying the Frenchman was Mrs Major Rattan (Miss A. Jenks), who had become separated from her husband on a railway journey. The Major (Mr A. D. Clemett) appears later, and a stormy scene ensues between him and the Frenchman. After various set-

backs, Monsieur and Angelina are betrothed, the Major has his wife restored to him, and the Spriggiuses recover their maid servant, who had left consequent upon the many inconveniences her master’s imperfect knowledge of French had brought upon the household. As “Ze fader of she,” Mr Boyes both look . and acted the part well. Mrs Stewart, as Mrs Spriggius, gave a faithful pourtrayal, and Mrs Clemett (Anna Maria) played the soubrette very effectively. Mrs Boyes was quite at home in the role of the daughter of the family, and Miss Jeuks, as Mrs Major Rattau, was well suited. Mr Clemett infused plenty of dash into his military impersonation, and as the Frenchman Mr Golder played a finely finished part. At the conclusion of the piece, the players were accorded a prolonged round of applause.

Accompaniments to the songs were played by Mrs Boyes, Misses Jenks, Collins and McDonald, and Mr Boyes.

The promoters express their thanks to the performers aud all who assisted in any way to make the entertainment a success ; especially those coming from a distance, and helpers from other denominations.