SCHOOL CONCERT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2036, 26 September 1908, Page 2

SCHOOL CONCERT.

“DICK WHITTINGTON AND HI.S

CAT.”

Hundreds of people were turned away from His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, for the building was crowded to excess by parents and children to witness a concert given by. the children of the Gisborne District High School. The first part of the programme took the shape of a concert, all the items being given by children, and the audience greatly enjoyed the singing, dancing, and reciting of the juveniles. Those who appeared showed that they had been oirefnlly trained, and had no hesitation in going through their work in front of such a .large audience. Master Leonard Sheet, with seven boys dressed as niggers, appeared in a coon song and dance “Kid,” and the item was so well given that an encore was demanded. Masted Vita Iplayed a (lute solo, and six children from the infant school gave a dialogue that caused roars of laughter, as it contained many humorous references to local business people. An Irish jig was danced by Misses M. and E. Wildish, Heffornan, and Bishop. The girls wero appropriately dressed in green costumes, and their dancing was very graceful. A chorus of infants sang a swing song, Miss J. Dunlop recited Bracken’s poem “Not Understood,” and tlio senior girls of the school gave a very creditable exhibition of Indian club .swinging. The second nart of the programme was taken in? with the Production of the oneretta' “Dick Whittington and hi?. Cat.” In this the children excelled themselves, and their performance would have done credit to people of older years. The story of how Dick Whittington, hearing the bells chiming on his road from London, roads the message as “Turn again, Whittington, Lord Mayor of London,” retraces his steps, and by the assistance of his cat becomes rich, is too well known to be told. The -story was well outlined in the operetta, which was staged in capital style, the children being costumed and made up with wigs and paint to faithfully ropresent the characters. Master L. Sheet was “Dick.” and he was quite at home in the part. He sang Ins songs well, and having plenty of confidence. caused no small share of humor in his comedy work. Master E. Hoe-g was well made up as the cat, amf'assistcd to keep the audience laughing. Miss H. Robertson was the'priiicipal girl, “Alice Fitzwarren.” Master C. McKay “Fitzwarren, the merchant,” (Master Pratt the ship’s captain, and Miss Merle Lawless the household cook, end they all sang and performed their parts well. The choruses were features worthy of special mention. The costumes were tastefully designed, the singing was good, and tlio marching was veil to time. The audience fully entered into the enjoyment provided, and the performers were frequently applauded. Great credit is due to Air. F. J. Rowley and the teachers who have spent many hours for months past in training the children, and tile entertainment fully deserved the flattering reception accorded to it. During the interval. Air. F. J. Rowley thanked the audience for their attendance, and stated that ns so many people had been turned away, the entertainment would bo repeated on ATonday evening. Aliss Oxenbam and Alessrs Vita Bros, supplied the music for the entertainment.