ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2323, 16 October 1908, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ELTON COMEDY COMPANY.

An exchange says :—The Elton Company attracted a good audience at tho Druids’ Hall on Monday evening, but the heavy rain considerably affected /the attendance on Tuesday evening. Miss Elton proved herself a most talented entertainer, playing numerous instruments. Her (rick violin playing was very clever, vnd her cow hell ringing was loudly applau Yd. Mr. Fred Elton, who was rarely off the stage, amused the audience greatly with his comic songs. A number of biograph pictures, most of .which were new, were thrown on the screen. Though the Company are few in numbers the versatility of Mr. and Miss Elton enable them to provide a good entertainment. The company opens its Gisborne season in His Majesty’s Theatre tonight. “TOO BAD.” An entertainment .by children is always a particularly pleasing affair, if well carried out, and last night’s performance of the operetta “Too Bad,” .by the pupils of Miss -Fishenden, .was no exception to this rule. When the curtain rose at 8 p. 111., His Majesty’s Theatre was well filled, and shortly afterwards not a seat was to be obtained, and the enthusiasm with which tho programme was received was evidently .indicative of the pleasure of the audience. The operetta itself tells the story of a little girl, named Judith, a pampered pet of fortune, who, notwithstanding the fact that she.is surrounded with every conceivable luxury, is discontented with her lot, and gives vent to many complaints, and bemoans what slie terms flier sad fate as “too bad.” While out walking one day,- slie comes across Betsy, a poor little girl, who, although in humble circumstances, and compelled to work hard, is Cheerful and happy. While in conversation, together, the first little girl expresses a wash to change places with her poorer acquaintance. This wish is overheard by the Queen of the Fairies who, in the guise of an old woman, comes on tho scene, and gives Judith a magic apple, by means of which she wall be able to gratify her v : lies. This Judith does, and wakes up find herself in the humble boiii.- • f X ‘ y, where she lias to do all sorts x household toil, and is subjected to the continual scolding of Betsy’s mother. At this stage slie sees the folly of her former conduct, and defining to again change back to her old life, is horrified at the discovery that she lias lost her magic apple. Tlie good fairy “Content” once again comes to the rescue, and after some wise counsel, to Judith, restores the apple, by which means tlio position of the two girls are again reversed, tho discontented Judith having learnt a wholesome lesson. Miss Linda. Law took the part of .Judith, and showed considerable aptitude, her enunciation. being distinct, and her pourtray,al of the two types being at times excellent. A s “Queen of the Fairies,” Miss Ivy 'Robertson did good work, and repeatedly earned the applause of the audience by her clever acting. Miss Gladius Lucas was the scolding mother, and gave a good representation of the diameter, being the worry of poor Betsy’s life with her nagging propensities. .Miss Eva Smith, as ißetsy, and 'Miss May Third as Judith’s nurse, both ably filled their .roles, and with the other characters combined to make the performance of the operetta u. distinct success. The opening song by Master Claude Pratt and a chorus of girls was entitled “Captain ...Baby 'Bunting,” and was well received. Misses Iv.v Robertson, Linda Law, und Eva Smith sang several duets and solos throughout the three acts, and were deservedly applauded. A feature of the operetta was the chorus of Fairies, beautifully dressed in white, and oifrying wands, .and who glided in and out at intervals to the well-known tune of “Fairyland.” Quito a large number of children representing haymakers, flower girls, milkmaids, wagoners, and laborers made up the general chorus. Their costumes were very pretty, sand the .grouping and general effect was excellent. In the third net two graceful dances were givon by Masses Dolly Aston and Gladius Lucas, in perfect time to the music. Between the acts Misses Jennie Habgood and Dorothy Spenco played pianoforte solos, and Misses Ivy Robertson 'raid Dolly McKay a duet. Master Sid Tate also sang a number of comic songs, the best of which was, perhaps, “Turn Over,” which caused roars of laughter. The second part of the programme was of a miscellaneous character, and opened with the song “Illinois” by Miss Merlie Lawless, with a chorus of five gilds, all charmingly attired in white dresses, with white parasols. Misses Solvander and Habgood and Misses Third and Lucas plnyed pianoforte duets, and Alios Nellie Norman’s song. “I’d like to call you Sweetheart,” was encored , twice. “Gretchen,” a song by Master Claude Pratt., accompanied by a chorus of girls in pretty Dutch costumes, was another item for which tho performers were recalled, and the duet “Won't vou come out to-night.” by Miss Dolly. Aston a.nd Master Claude Pratt also received a decided encore. The entertainment was brought to a close by a tambourine drill, including march 'ami I'fraioc. by a number of girls gail.v-attired in striking Spanish costumes. This was an excellent item, the various movements being characterised by grace and precision, and tho “turn” was loudly appended.

.The -performance throughout was distinctly good," and reflected great credit on the children and on Miss Fishenden. who 'has been most painstaking .in her efforts to make the entertainment a success. The accomrnniments wore played by Alessrs Vita Bros, 'and Aliss Lizzie Law (piano).