ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1922, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

DANDY' DIXIE MINSTRELS. A BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT. The Dandy Dixie Minstrels opened a twonight season at-the Empire Theatre, New Plymouth, last evening. One had only to listen to the spontaneous reception accorded every item to judge how well the large crowd was enjoying itself. Never did the fun flag; always was the entertainment diversifying and mirth-provoking. The first half of the programme consisted of a minstrel show, including humorous cross-talk, interspersed with songs by members of the troupe. The colored comedians, John Larkins and Billy Sumner, were responsible for much merriment, the drollery with which each joke was passed off appealing greatly. Huntley Spencer, as the centre figure of the troupe, also played his part with distinct success. Miss Rosa Hawthorne, a pleasing soprano singer, was heard, in “Good Night”, with the popular song “My Old Kentucky Home” for an encore. “Rip Van Winkle” was the title of a song by Mr. West (baritone), and he was deservedly encored. Mies Irene Ross sang with good effect, “Across the Mason and Dixon Line”, and Mr. David Francis (baritone) was heard in “Shipmates o’ Mine”, both singers being recalled. A humorous song, “Bull Frogs’ Isle”, was given by John Larkins, Billy Sumner also contributing a song. “I Never Knew” was well sung by Huntley Spencer. The curtain fell on the first part with the chorus, “Everybody’s Happy”. Songs and humorous items, judiciously interspersed, filled the bill for the second half. Messrs. Francis and Spencer were again heard in songs. The farce, “The Telescope”, was full of humor, and had the audience rocking in their seats with laughter. The ensemble, “The Quaker”, was well presented by the company. Billy Sumner followed with a song, including in his number some clever dance-steps and realistic imitations. The Misses Rosa and Violet Hawthorne sang a duet. Miss Violet Hawthorne played the accompaniments throughout. The concluding number was entitled “That New Man”, and raised hearty laughter on account of the ludicrous situations created.

The company apnear at the Empire Theatre for the last time this evening. On Thursday night they show at Waitara, and on the following night at Inglewood.