ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 252, 14 March 1913, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

'■OUll 'MISS GIBBS." ''Our Miss Gibbs'" is a twice-told tale in New Plymouth, but its second version, which was given in the Theatre Royal Inst night, was warmly welcomed, and deservedly so. It boasts of nothing very great in the way of a plot, and does not lend itself to much in the way of scenery, but yet it holds, ranking, indeed, as one of our most popular musical comedies. To sustain this, an advance on mediocre mummery is required, the whole secret of the piece lying, in fact, in its bright and happy interpretation. In this "The Merry Widow Company" were acceptably successful. They danced, laughed, and sang with a gay and pleasing abandon, and when it came to the light dramatic passages tliev were quite canal to the occasion. In short the whole piece went with a swing, and the audience early settied down to a hearty evening's enjoyment. The role of "Our .Miss Gi-bbk." called for all that was sprightly, versatile. and bright, and it was in good hands. "Miss Eva Moore, a sister of Miss Carrie Moore, won golden opinions from the audience. -She showed herself gifted with excellent stage possession, and her winning ways and dainty personality appealed to the sympathies of all. Her singing did ample justice to the extensive repertoire of "Our Miss Gibbs," and in "f.Feel 80 Funny When .the MOOll Comes Out," she was the leading light in a chorus which quite took those present by storm. The broad vein of comedy running throughout the production saw Mr. J). 11. O'Connor figuring as the Hon. Hnirliie Pierpont, an amateur burg, lar tolerated only oh account of bis social position. He made a great hit, and was completely at home in all the eccentric escapades of the man who stole the Ascot Gold Cup. He, with -Mr. 0. Edwards who played the part of that quaint personality, Timothy Gibba (Mary's cousin from Yorkshire), was the life and soul of the comedy, and his voice still retains its old fascination. Of all his songs—and he had many—"lf There Hadn't Been An Apple On The Tree," was the one which played most on the risible faculties of his auditors. '•Timothy" was likewise an inimitable "May's Cousin." and the only fault that could be found with him was his brogue, which was at times not quite as broad as that of the real Yorkshire persuasion. As "Lady Connie," the silly, flightly young damsel, with a penchant for falling in love with everybody but the Duchess's choice, Miss Esmee McLenniig sustained a fairly heavy part with credl it, especially in her vocal efl'orts. Lota Evnsford made a very ardent fever an« his sentimental ballots disclosed a voict of no mean calibre. Mr. John Ralstoij also figured to good elVeet as (a professional crook), as did also Misil Cliff Palmer as Madame -leanne (modisti at Garrodd's). The incidental roles werf all capably fdled and the orchestral under Joe Laing, was also fully up to the standard. All things considered? "Our Miss Gibbs" was quite a to which the dainty frocking and mil* linerv of the ladies in no small way con-f tributed. These requisites were supplied from Messrs. J. and J. Auld's. establishment. ST. PATRICK'S DAY. •; Tll most parts of the world on the; feast day of Ireland's patriotic Saint: some effort is made to celebrate the occasion in a fitting manner. NVw Ply 4 mouth has never been behind in this| respect, but this year a greater effort than is usual is being made. On Monday next, fa Ray<il,-theiV , .j will be given a concert of a higli-clas'st order, in which the melodies of a country that-Jins justly, been described as" the home of music will largely figure.; It will be to all intents and purposes . natimial concert, as it should be. Mtiehj o-ood local talent, new to the public; here, will lake part, while an exceptional attraction will be found in the presence of Miss Ethel Rae. an Auckland vocalist, who will come to us with a reputation worthily earned in "The QueenCitv of the' North." Miss Eileen McGuire, of Wanganui, and Mrs. P. Power,, of New Plymouth, will also assist. The management assure us that the concert will be exceptionally attractive, and inthe circumstances it is reasonable to expect that the Theatre will on Monday be tilled in every part. The box plan is now open at Hoffmann's, whcrcseats mil" be reserved.