RED CROSS CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1616, 28 September 1916, Page 3

RED CROSS CONCERT.

BY FOXTON ENTERTAINERS. A GREAT SUCCESS. (From the Otaki Mail.) It is very evident that the residents of our sister-town (Foxton) are possessed of the true patriotic spirit, and their ]Jn dness and generosity in offering to visit Otaki and present a complete entertainment, on behalf of the funds of the local Red Cross, was fully appreciated by the Otaki people. To bring a concert company of close on fifty performers a distance of some 28 miles for a concert is a big undertaking for a. small country town, and Foxton’s enterprise and liberality in this respect has called forth the hearty approbation and gratitude of the residents of this district, who will not soon forget the kindness of the visitors. The visitors were faced by a splendid audience at 8 p.m. —though we fully expected to see even a larger attendance —and from begining to end the entertainment went without a hitch, the audience being most appreciative and delighted with the really tip-top programme

provided. In the first half of a lengthy programme the stage was occupied by a chorus party of pierrots and pierettes, who took active part in every item, singing, marching, and dancing. The costumes were excellent. —every little detail having been carefully planned and carried out,

while the evolutions of the performers were most fitting, showing signs * of most eureful rehearsal. Every song had a ehorns, in whieh the lug company acquitted themselves admirably, though, at times, tin 1 balance left a little to be desired. In the second part the scene was changed, the costumes being of a nautical character, the rolling choruses of sea songs being capitally done, and the costumes, as in the first part, excellent. For the latter part of the performance another change of scene was made, the stage

presenting.a cate scene, a large company of youth and beauty, seated at small tables, indulging in songs, choruses, with toasts interspersed—a gay, inspiriting and admirably planned display such its is seldom seen in country towns, reflecting great credit on all concerned.

Among the lady vocalists we might specially mention Mrs M. Teviotdale,who was loudly recalled for her admirable rendition of the old favourite, “Caller Herrin,” and Miss Doris Signal, who sang “Sunshine of Your Smile” in such a pleasing manner as to win an insistent. encore. The humorous element was well catered for by Messrs J. Holder and .1. K. HoVnblow. The latter’s “Why do they Call Me Archibald?” was worthy of a professional, and fairly brought down the house. A few humorous local allusions introduced by Mr ■Hornblow caused great laughter. Mr Holder’s interpretation of the old favourite, “Any Rags,” was very cleverly done, the chorus work in this being very good. Airs Hen. Freeman's two excellent items, “Here’s to Love,” and “Lad in Khaki,” were both encored, while songs were also rendered by Airs Hilder, 'Misses E. H. Hrant, P. Bryant, H. Kempton, Messrs H. Nisbett, S. B. Collins, W. Hooker, Hilder, and .1. Aitken. Every item was well received, the majority being encored. A humorous duet, “Our Farm," by Miss Doris Signal and Air Hornblow, was admirably done, the costumes being appropriate and picturesque. A sketch, entitled “The Crystal Gazer,” by Afesdamos L. Freeman and Kerr-Hislop, made a pleasant break in the programme, and was much appreciated.

The whole entertainment was of a high order of merit —a distinct advance on the average concert programme —and the performers one and all deserve hearty congratulations. The costumes were particularly good, and, in excellent taste, while the general mounting and presentation of the performance deserved the highest praise. We understand that Mrs Freeman was responsible for Hie dresses and stage effects, and Air J. Aitken for stage management and comluetorship. These two are to bo heartily congratulated on the sjjJemlid success of their efforts. Mattel’s of detail had been most carefully considered, and the result was a particularly line stage effect. An orchestra of several instruments supplied the accompaniments and incidental music, adding considerably to the success of the performance.