OAMARU.

New Zealand Tablet, Issue 31, 3 December 1897, Page 25

OAMARU.

AN EVENING IN FLOWERLAND."

(From the Oamaru Mail, November 26.)

The periodical entertainments provided by the Catholic community in Oamaru are always looked upon in the light of assured successes before a note is sung- or a word spoken. This success is due to the thoroughly intelligent preparation which is always bestowed upon anything- which it is intended to produce. Last night's operetta, "An Evening in Flowerland," was no exception to the general rule of excellence, and the large audience which attended at St. Joseph's school were accorded nofc only a musical treat — a feast for the ear — but also a pretty pictorial representation — a feast for the eye. "An Evening in Flowerlaud " is one of those pretty little conceits which, dressed in tuneful music, form such admirable media for youthful vocal display. The argument is as follows : — The flowers meet in a secluded dell in the forest to choose their queen. A person discontented with the world seeks, in the same place, retirement from its cares and disappointments. The flowers tell of love and duty ; and the recluse— learning that to fill well the station allotted by Providence is to be happy — resolves to return again to usefulness and contentment among his fellow-creatures. Of course the theme lends itself to scenic accessories of an elaborate nature, and these were attemle I to with a wealth of profusion of flowers and evergreens, and by bnylifc and pretty dressing. After a capital descriptive recitation by little Aim Reid, the operetta opened with the chorus -We are the flowers," which was well sung. The choruses throughout were very nicely taken, evidencing great care in preparation. Perhaps the most popular effort was the full coronation march -with its accompuiying action and effects. " Say, where is our favourite lily ?"' was also excellent. Miss A. Smith, dressed in Robinhood costame, took the part of the Recluse, singing her number- really well and in excellent tune. Miss Nellie M'Sweeney was the Ro-e (ultimately the Queen), and she also acquitted hereelt admirably, not only in her solos, but also in the concerted numbers. Aidses M Maxwell (the Lily and the Dahlia), M. M'Sweeney and X. Cagm-y (Crocuses), K. Smiddy (Japonica), K. Ford (Sunllower). 11. Ryan and B. Wright (Heliotrope and Mignonette), T. Maxwell (Violet), and May Uilligan (Hollyhock) were also well cast, their hinging throughout bein? of a high order, wonderfully good indeed, in many cases, for such youthful performers. A chorus of heather bells by eight little mites was a pleasing item, and the pretty little dance with which it was accompanied was deservedly encored. Miss Hannon played all the accompaniments for the operetta, and her sympathetic playing was a great help to the performance. In addition to the operetta a number of other musical items were given. Miss Maud Proctor sang " The carnival " in a sweet and expressive manner, and Mrs. Lynch, for a sympathetic rendering of waiting, received a hearty encore, responding with the tuneful " Kerry dance " and retiring amidst a shower of floral tributes. Miss S. Hall (Dunedin) played " Capricante," a florid concert piece. Her execution was brilliant, but style a trifle mechanical. Miss J. Fagan's solo, an arrangement of " Traviata,"' was, on the contrary, most expressive, and was the musical treat of the evening. Concerted piano duets (for two instruments) were also played, Messrs. A. Toohey, K. Fagan, J. Fagan, S. Hall, M. Duggan, Robin, K. Hannon, and M. Paton taking part therein, and both being most effective and pleasing performances. Messrs. Hall and Fagan acted as accompanists. At the close of the performance the Very Rev. Dean Mackay came forward, and, in proposing a vote of thanks to the performers, said that the concert had surpassed anything he had heard before. It surprised him and he did not think it could be beaten in the Colony. It was a source of great gratification to him and must also be so to the parents, showing, as it did, what those who devotod their lives to the developments of the talents of the young could achieve (prolonged and hearty applause).