PERFORMANCE IN AID OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2410, 20 December 1887, Page 2

PERFORMANCE IN AID OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH , TE AWAMUTU.

On Friday evening (fa A'vaimitu presented a lively appearance, as visitors were crowding in from all parts of the district in order to be present at the grand entertainment. Long before the time for commencing, the audience had availed themselves of all sitting-room, and by the time the curtain was rung up those who had not secured their places were compelled to stand in order to enjoy a series of performances such as have never before been witnessed in this part of the Waipa district. The .somewhat grandiose advertisement had announced through the columns pf Tifß Waikato fpjKS that the “stage scenery had been entirely redecorated upon a scale of unparalleled inagnifiance.” The- delighted audience were unanimous in declaring that the proscenium and the whole scenery fully justified the foregoing description. In fact, “ redecorated” was not the accurate phrase, as everything was entirely new, from foot lights to stage wings, and reflected the greatest credit upon the untiring energy of our “ imported scenic ” artist, whose personality, we believe, we are at liberty to proclaim —namely, our very popular pastor and chaplain, the Rev. R, G. Boler. Shortly alter 8 o’clock the rev. gentleman addressed the audience in suitable terms, and claimed their kind indulgence for any possible shortcomings on beljalt of the “Tableaux Company,” who were about to make their dehut. We are glad to be able to record that no such indulgence was iq fact required, as tfie tableaux were pronounced by gl| jn every respect a most qualified’success, The intrpdnqtoiy event was an instrumental performance (piano) by our organist, Sir Patterson. Miss Allen contributed a song, “ Tit for Tat,” in her usual excellent style ; in fact this song was unquestionably sl(i)lei»h. Song by Mr Faltridge, of Cambridge fame, “We Are, Wo Are,” was very well received, as was also, later on in (he evening, " Hia Afother-in-law’s at Home.” The curtain now rose “upon the (tableau of “Auld Robin Cray.” Miss Allen rendered this well-lfnipyii ballaif in a manner which left nothing to be desired either as regards articulation, pathos or harmony ; and as tiiis charming vocalist proceeded with her task the curtain rose and fell upon the several sections of the tableau. The first scene discovered “Janie” (Miss Could) and her young sailor lover (Mr Pen. Hawk) engaged in plighting troth. No. 2: The departure of “ fp attempt jthe Stormy Main, where lie is s’pppbsfici'tq have perished. No. 3; Auld Rubin Gray,’' (Sjergeipit Rigg) pleading his suit to ’ the heart ; broken Janie. No. 4: The old folks (Mither) Miss Steel, in a very orthodox mob cap made an excellent old woman, while as the Father with a broken arm, the identity of Sergeant Gresham was most effectively concealed, No. 5 : The Father with “ MitljcV-V a.t Jds side placing Janie’s hand in that of AulcTßobprGFay. fST°- P : Tbe (supposed) Ghost Scene, where Jdmiw returns— all alive and well—to claim his bride (now married to Auld Robin Cray). No. 7: “Janie,” Auld Robin and the old folks. In this final scene Miss Gould, who tin'opglumt made a most charming “Janie” quite ibriSught qow,} fhe 1' 01 ' 56 with the sweetly sad oxpAssiou fin her )apt when she admits that" ‘'Auld' Robin's bean a gudeman to’me.” Reading, by Sergeant Gresli’am, “ Mark Twain returning thanks jto tiie ''jioast' of the Babies;” duet, from “'ll 'Trrtyatiire’/ be tby Spirit,” very charmingly r,eridore4 by Jfiss Steel and Mias Alien, Mr Patterson accompany; ing on the piano; song, Hfirgeailt'Rigg “ The Old Brigade Tableau aud elm muter song, “Three Old Maids of Lee,” was perhaps the event of tho evening Miss Couli. Miss Steele, and Miss Allen, when the “Young Afaids,” “Face About,” and become transferred into the “ Old

Maids, Deaf Blind,’’ and all yelled with delight. In response to a very persistent ‘encore’ this performance had to bo repeated. After an interval of ten minutes. Miss Archer favoured ns with a piano-forte solo. This talented young amateur will probably develop into one of New Zealand’s leading instrumental artists. Tableau, “ Hymn of Moravian Nuns’’ with Miss Steele as the Lady Abbess with Nuns in the back-ground, Acolytes Miss Dorothy Gresh nn and Master Frank Long, was well received and encored, Mr King, with his local hits, afforded much amusement and we hope this gentleman may be induced to publish his very fetching commentaries. Sung, Miss Steele, “Erin on the Rhine;” Tableau, “Queen Katherine’s Dream," from Shakespeare’s “ Henry the Eighth,” Miss Hunt looked every inch a Queen, lint as we have never had the good fortune to behold auy angels we cannot express any opinion as to the accurate “ get up ” of the young ladies who represented those celestial beings. They were clothed in white raiment, and had wings, while their flowing locks were spread over their shoulders somewhat in the fashion in vogue at the seaside after the matutinal dip. A most enjoyable and social dance followed, and was kept up till 3 o’clock. We understand that the finances of the Church will greatly benefit by the venture, and that the company have been requested to repeat their performance.