AMUSEMENTS.

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 3 November 1919, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

THE “TE KOA.” Of the To Koa, the returned soldier entertainers w r ho are to appear at Brights’ Theatre to-night, an Auckland daily had the following:—“Mr'Owen Pritdhard is to be congratulated on the achievements c* the Tc Eoas, thc.soldicr*coneert party, who have been repeating to large audiences at-the Town Hall for tho past six nights the entertainment which was' in snch popular vogue with their fellow “diggers” at the front. Apart from the appeal that tho troupe themselves would exert through being soldiers, the show they put on made an emphatic appeal on its own merits, and from tho opening chorus and Maori war cry to the final sketch it went with a swing and vim worthy of any professional attempt. There was a packed and enthusiastic audience on Wednesday night, and interest was maintained at top pressure at each performance. Mr Les. Walton, an elocutionist of high attainments, aroused the audience to admiration with his dramatic delivery. Mr Wally Edwards made a distinctly good-look-ing soubretto, and his song, “Sergeant Brown,” met with generous approval. Miss Winifred Bireh supplied the note of femininity to the “merry men.” and her artistically sung numbers were pleasing in the extreme. The life and soul of the pnitv was Mr Owen chard, who as director and organiser, vocalist and comedian, saw that there was no weak link in the chain of mirth and melody. His ‘Ballads in Ragtime’ was a big hit, and he made another score in ‘Whoops,’ besides establishing a ready air of camaraderie with those in front by his spontaneous work in the various up-to-date burlesques and - ensembles. Mr Billy Mardle was an efficient accompanist, co-operating cheerfully with the performers. A novel little sketch, ‘Where did that one go?’ concluded the entertainment. Messrs Owen Pritchard, Vic. Elliott. Les. Wal- , ton, W. Edwards as the representative soldiers provoked much merriment with their Tespeetive sallies and a song and dance thrown in just at the right moment. Meiyy men the Te Eoas proved to be.” ' THE DANDIES.

This talented company, billed to appear at Otaki on Wednesday, should draw a crowded house. They are not unknown to Otaki audiences, ha ring recently appeared here to a full hoase. The programme on this occasion will be entirely different, and although old favourites will be among the performers, quite a number of new.artists will appear, who will render all the latest musical comedy successes. The entertainment from start to the fall of the curtain will be bright, breezy, refined, ana gladsome, and Maoriland’s “first favourites” will give,two hours of fun. The box plan is at Mr Eing’s. ‘ ‘THE SUNSET TRAIL.’ ’ To-morrow night's star picture will be the “Sunset Trail,” in which Vivian Martin fairly revels in the character of Bess, the tomboy daughter of the "disappointed rancher, climbs trees, wears overalls, wades in mountain streams, and generally conducts herself as a lovable, fascinating child of nature. The magnificent splendour ofnoble crags, placid valleys and rolling, ominous blonds has seldom been equalled, even in special productions. The anguish Of the pathetic little girl, longing for her father, sacrificing her.self to save her motheT from disgrace, touches a responsive chord in the heart of everyone in the crowded audience. This film is one of the new keys specially -made to open the tightened parse of the public.