Christian Brothers' School, Dunedin

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 45, 25 November 1925, Page 35

Christian Brothers' School, Dunedin

ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENT. 41 is Majesty’s Theatre was crowded n every part on Monday evening, tae 16 th inst., on the occasion of the annual entertainment staged by the pupils of the Christian Brothers’ School. His Lordship Bishop Whyte and a number of the clergy were present, and the vast audience gave unmistakable evidence of its appreciation and thorough enjoyment of the varied and splendidly arranged programme, which was presented in a manner that reflected the highest credit upon all concerned. The first numbers of each part consisted of selections artistically rendered by a very efficient orchestra organised by Mr. D. Whelan. These included “Reminiscences of Ireland” and the overture to the “Royal Jester.” Orchestral accompaniments were also supplied to several, features of the programme. The curtain rose to tier above tier of the pupils neatly attired in the school uniform who, under the conductorship of Rev. Brother Hynes, sang very sweetly and correctly the choruses “Drinaun Dhun” and “Pond Lilies.” A recitation, given in good style by Alaster Marcus Goughian, was followed by a fine display on the horizontal bar by the gymnastic class. A particularly pleasing number was the song “Danny Boy” (with violin obbligato by Miss A. Sligo) rendered by selected voices. A youthful performer (Master Owen Cantwell) next gave a violin solo that marked him out as one who is destined in the near future to be a very brilliant performer. An amusing scena—a “By-Election Meeting” —afforded scope to a large number of lads quaintly attired for fun-making, their clever comedy worktopical allusions, interjectory remarks, etc.—keeping the audience in a simmer of merriment. An Irish jig was well danced by Alaster Moray Nichol. “Eastern Flower Drill and March” by the juniors was a 'delightful spectacle, the intricate evolutions, colored lighting effects, and appropriate costuming being most pleasing. Quite a gem was the vocal solo, “Who is Sylvia?” by Master Claude Lee, whose sweet voice and

correct interpretation were much admired. An exhibition of living pyramids (the grouping being very effective) and exercises on the vaulting horse by the gymnastic class provided a thrilling and pleasing conclusion to the first portion of the programme. This item, given under The supervision of Rev. Brother Doonan, the school’s instructor in physical culture, ■ was a praiseworthy performance, the agility and stamina displayed by such a large body of hefty young athletes being much admired. The second half of the programme consisted of an operetta in three acts, entitled “The Royal Jester.” This was elaborately staged, and in view of the fact that no fewer than 260 boys participated in its production, the smoothness of the movements, the singing and acting, tho setting and costuming, reflected credit on the producer. The principals, too, were perfect in their parts, two of them (Masters Tcomey and Hall) excelling in their characterisation and interpretation. The former as “The Jester” sang and acted in a most natural manner, while the latter in his portrayal of “The King” filled a difficult part cleverly and effectively. Much credit is due to the members of the orchestra, largely composed of students of St. Dominic s College, for their finished performance of the music incidental to the operetta; also, to Messrs. B. Hanley and T. McKenzie for their efficient services as accompanists. - '