FETE OF NATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 March 1916, Page 4

FETE OF NATIONS.

EXTRAVAGANZA OPENS TO-NIGHT. A WEALTH OF ATTRACTIONS. This spectacular extravaganza, which will open at the Theatre Royal to-night, for a season of seven nights, will consist of a series of entertainments and spectacular displays, the like of which lias never before been witnessed in New Plymouth. The. organiser, Mr. \V. Lints, has been assiduously engaged during the past few weeks in (raining a veritable army of performers, and ha s succeeded in bringing them to a high pitch of perfection. The final rehearsal was held in the Theatre Royal yesterday afternoon, when the spectacular displays, brilliant marches, intricate and dainty dances, •and gorgeous costuming surprised and delighted the small crowd privileged to be present. Mr. Lints is unquestionably a first-class instructor and stage manager, and the, manner in which he has drilled and trained his host of performers will come as a revelation to the public to-night. Many stirring songs will be sung during the performances, and marches, tableaux, and fancy dances will follow eacli other in rapid succession and without the slightest suggestion of drag. "It's the Allies" is certain to rouse patriotic ardor to the highest pitch. Almost erery conceivable national costume—except German, Austrian and Turkish—will be represented, and the costuming would do credit to a firstclass professional company. An efficient orchestra will supply the incidental music. There will be a change of programme every second night. Among the items for to-night'e programme will be "My Pretty Quaker Girl" (Miss M. Thomson, assisted by a chorus of 14 girls); '•Whistle it" and "Teach me tn Float on the Rolling Sea" (Mrs. Birch Johnston) ; "Bubbles" and "Love's Own Kiss" (Miss Peart, supported by a squad of 30 girls). With the above soloists and such popular prices as 2s and Is the Theatre Royal should be packed to overflowing. The following is an extract from the Gisborne Times:—"Judging by the crowded audiences a>t His Majesty's Theatre night after night, the Fete of Nations entertainments require no further recommendations. The fact that there have been such enthusiastic and appreciative gatherings, a nd that many attend each evening, speaks for itself as to the entertainments in proving so attractive. The organiser and his company of clever ■performers are to be congratulated upon the great success which has attended all the performances, and it must be gratifying to Mr. Lints to see how the Fete of Nations is appreciated. Last night's entertainment was no exception to the rule that has obtained all through, the theatre being packed beyond all standing room. A meritorious programme was presented, and in addition to hearty applause many of the performers received floral tributes and boxes of chocolates."