JASPER’S CONCERT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 65, 8 June 1927, Page 15

JASPER’S CONCERT

KONSENSE AND NOVELTIES “Yes, that’s Jasper!” No one seemed to bother to call him Mr. Calder. “Dear man, isn’t he,” remarked the more sedate women. “Sport, isn’t he!” said the younger generation. Everybody at the Town Hall last evening knew the Rev. Jasper' Calder. Admirers were there in hundreds to attend his first concert. Outside the rain fell with a ceaseless patter; inside there was light and warmth and row upon row of expectant faces. An empty seat was as rare as a snowball in summer. It was a great tribute to the* popularity of Mr. Calder and his humane cause. The familiar lilt of “Poet and Peasant” from the orchestra died away and the refractory green curtains parted to disclosed the full company, garmed as Pierrots and pierettes. Rhythmic melodies, mostly old favourites from light opera, were received with impartial appreciation, and then Madame Anita Hardwick and Mr. S. Hardwick embarked on a duet from “II Trovatore.” Mr. Calder’s two small sons, Denver and Bud, proceeded to take charge of H.M.S. Pupuke. In manner carelessly nautical they scattered jests concerning “Hughie Mackenzie,” and the mayor, frothblowers and well-known characters about the city. Topical hits, chanted to the tune of “Oh, wouldn’t it be a dream?” put the audience in great good humour. Once more the company took charge and distilled sweet melody. Mr. Bob Adams energetically toyed with his xylophone, causing everyone to remark on his ability and tap their feet in response to the ragtime tunes. Another parting of the green curtains and the full company had assembled to relate a tragic racecourse scene, in which Wedding March was the favourite. Mr. C. Massee gave a realistic description of the race, the while Mr. O. Rees alternately juggled with glasses of whisky and poison. It had one of those Grand Guigoi conclusions which the audience rightiy refused to take seriously. More melody, this time from Mr. Rees, whose flair apparently is for “That Old Gang of Mine,” and “The Little Red Schoolhouse.” Against a conventional tropic setting characteristic Hawaiian lads and lassies basked in' the spotlight and sang “Coral Sands” to the accompaniment of steel guitars. Miss Dorothy Henderson added to the illusion with supple hula hula movements Then a lightning change and the lads and lassies had become Maoris, gathered on a river bank to sing of a Maori moon and its charms. Miss Florence Sutherland and Peggy Cutting alternately lifted pleasant voices in the prevailing melody. Mr. Calder made a personal appearance in “Scrooge’s Christmas Day,” the Charles Dickens sketch. The erring wife, the jealous husband and other screen favourites lived their brief hour in “A Movie Mix-Up,” an amusing sketch in up-to-the-minute motion picture methods Then, before the final curtain. Mr. Calder offered his thanks. It was a jolly evening in which every member of his company worked strenuously. There is a young army of players—far too many to mention individually. The best thing to do is to visit the Town Hall and buy a programme for one of "Jasper’s Concerts,” another of which will be given on Saturday evening.