SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 395, 26 July 1918, Page 2

SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT.

At Pukekohe.

"The Great Effort "in Pukekohe to raise £IOOO for the Red Cross fund was further signalised last Tuesday evening by a grand musical concert and tableaux vivants held at the Premier Hall. Long before the time appointed for the overture by the orchestra the hall was filled to overflowing. From start to finish the programme went with a swing, the various items being kept up to time and thus avoiding any wearying pauses. Indeed the stage adornments, the vocal contributions and the varied tableaux as presented were so far beyond the ordinary ran of the best amateur production that the most casual onlooker could easily discern a master mind behind in directing and controlling. To Mr. Cecil Roadley belongs the credit for organising s>nd producing such an excellent entertainment, which for variety, blend of colour and stage effects, could not easily be surpassed, and this despite the fact that the training only extended over a month. Mr. Koadley was well supported by efficient and willing helpers. As musical directress Miss Yera Bailey carried out her duties most efficiently, while the costumes and millinery apparel were designed by Mesdames C Roadley and D J Davies and Miss Nelsie Hawke.

Under the baton of Mr J Hindman, the Pakekohe orchestra opened the proceedings with an overture. This was followed by a tableau in which the central figure was a Bed Cross nurse carrying an infant in her arms, whilst a guardian angel was standing oyer three other little ones, who with upturned faces were singing "Lead Kindly Light" With the Union Jack in the foreground and representatives of the British and allied nations grouped in pyramid form, the scene was most animated, the white dresses of the nurses with the Bed Cross in evidence adding a lustre to the setting. Mr. W T Jones sang as a solo " Home Land." It was well received. The comic element was supplied by Mr. B. Hastings in "Bisiog Early" and he had to respond to an encore. The " Pied Piper and his children " was a well thought-out item," the Piper" being Master Leslie Boadley who excelled in the role. The singing of the ditties "Humpty Dumpty" etc., by his attendants was effective and their marching was well arranged. << Ballerina " took the form of a novel representation of various games, a party of young ladies wearing sportjog costumes and with clockwork regularity going through evolutions connected with various pastimes, much to the admiration of the audience. Mr Lambert followed and delighted the audience with a violincello >solo. Miss Doris Lees artistically W

jg "Wilderness," her voice, although not powerful, being sweet in tone. She was supported by a company of young ladies becomingly attired in white and carrying sunshades. Mr. Eady gave a musical monologue in character entitled "Voyage of Disaster" and quickly established himself a favourite. Masters C Maxwell and L. Boadley scored heavily in the humourous duet "The Twins" and were loudly recalled. "Moon Moths " was portrayed by a juvenile troupe, who dressed in white with coloured wings, took part in a put 7 moonlight match. Oae of the daintiest features of the performance was furnished in the rendering of the haunting refrain "Backety Coo " from the comic opera " Katinka " In this the silo was taken by Miss Ivy Duncan, the members of the chorus supporting her all carrying live white pigeons, the effect being most original and pleasing In the tableau " After the Battle " a Red Cross nurse was depicted bending over a dying soldier, a number of Senior Cadets in uniform and with arms reversed being in the background. After the orchestra had opened the second portion of the programme Miss Isla Hawke and Master Leslie Boadley appeared in the action song " Bendez Vons," their graceful dancing being highly appreciated while the tuneful melody was done full justice to by the young performers. Then another violincello solo was given by Mr. Lambert In " The March of the Allies," "Britannia" (Miss Nellie Perkins) headed the parade, followed by representatives of the allied countries, whose national cdloum were depicted in the dresses and flags. This thoroughly appealed to the loyal instinc's of the audunce and was powerfully executed la the musical monologue "The Street Watchman's Btory" Mr Eady once again showed his abilities and responded to an encore " Over There " gave Master L Boadl«y another opportunity of displaying his talents, the song appropriately referring to America and with the "Stars and Bt»ipes " being waved al»ft by the chorus tribute was paid to America's partner hip in the war, the effect being exceedingly phasing As a reciter Mr. Mayes is always a favourite, and his rendering of "Kate Malone" was po well received that he had to respoi d with "How de Maori g« to War" 'The Legend of the Bella" was a nighttime scene in which a bevy of girls, coatumed in white took part in a pretty song, Mis 9 Linda Perkins, holding a ligiitel candle in her hand, being the leading soloist. Within a peiiid of ten siconlsthev returned to the stage wi h an entire change of aitire, viz., as sailors, to cottsitute the chorus to " The King's Navee," in which the soloist was Master Cyril Maxwell. The singing of "Good-night" by the whole company was a brilliant finish to the evening's entertainment. In compliance with numerous requests for the entertainment to be repeated w > understand t! at Mr Boadley h"pas to biable to arrange for this at an early date.