ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 February 1919, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE DANDIES. Mr. John Hopkins' entertainers—Tlie Dandies—who opened their New Plymouth season before a crowded audience at the Empire Theatre on Saturday, were given an enthusiastic reception. Their popularity with their patrons was never in doubt for a moment, and they fully justified the press notices that preceded them. They are an exceedingly wellbalanced party, and their programme was one of bright, sparkling vivacity from start to finish. One of the strong features of the entertainment waß the concerted singing of the company, in which they excelled. There was a freedom and lilt about this part of their work which was very refreshing, and at the same time blend, balance, and cohesion were studied to a degree. The samo may be said of other items presented, and whether in duet, trio, or quartette, it is plainly evident) that the artists constituting this party have thoroughly mastered the art of part-singing. As soloists they are also of a high order. Miss Christine Andrews (soprano), who has a singularly sweet voice of pure quality, was heard in several popular Scotch airs, which were greatly appreciated. Miss Madoline Knight (contralto) possesses a rich voice, which she uses with much taste. She sang "My Dear Soul" in such a manner as to secure an instant recall. Miss Iris Edgar, who is a pianiste of more than ordinary accomplishment, played a pianoforte duo with Mr. Kennedy Black. She also played some of the accompaniments for the male voice numbers, as well as contributed some winsome coon ditties. The humorous element from the feminine side of the company is in the capable bands of Miss Lenore Graham, who is a clever and versatile little comedienne, who sang and acted and danced in a way that greatly pleased the audience and won for her repeated rounds of applause. Of the gentlemen of the party Mr. Renn Millar (bass) carries the heaviest vocal burden, but he sustains his part well. He is equally at home in grave or gay. Mr. Kingley Chapman (tenor and light comedian) is an entertaining artist, and in addition to his singing carried 011 some very clever interlocutory work with other members of the party during the many bright little interludes which abound throughout the programme, and in the course of which some good local hits were made. Mr. George Livingstone, wellknowu for his genuine humor, is the leal comedian of the party, and his ivork contributed in a large measure to the enjoyment of the programme. Hig most effective numbers were, "Man. Beautiful Man," and "I'm in Love," though his work with Mr. Kingsley ; Chapman was scarcely less popular. Mr. Kennedy Black, the musioal director, played the accompaniments in a most pleasing manner, and also contributed to the harmony of the evening. The Dandies appear again to-night, when Saturday's programme will be repeated, and to-morrow, when there will be a complete change.

EVERYBODY'S. DESERT GOLD AND GLOAMING TO-NIGHT. The great contest between the two champions of the turf, Desert Gold and Gloaming, for the Hawera Stakes, will be shown in moving picture form at Everybody's to-night and to-morrow. It will be remembered that it was in this vac? (on the second day at Hawera) that the colt showed his superiority over Ilia older rival, and won the mile race brilliantly by a length and a half in lm in. 40 3-ssec. The lilin gives a clear impression of tho race from start to finish. Supporting this film there is a seven-reel Seiznick super-feature, "The Honeymoon," with Constance Talmadge in the lead. The Desert Gold and Gloaming picture shows at Hawera on show nights this week.

THE PEOPLE'S. BELLE BENNETT IN "A SOUL IN TRUST."-

She proposed to use her own son for tho purpose of ruining a prominent statesman, even though it meant wrecking the whole life. And the reward she looked for was merely a few thousand dollar. 1 . Would her motherlove awaken in time ? This is the theme of "A Soul in Trust." now screening at The People's. Belle Bennett heads the caßte, and is ablv supported by .J. Barney Sherry and Lilian West. The programme includes War Office topical, Hie latest Gazette, and a Canadian Bear Hunt (interest).