ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2346, 12 November 1908, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CATHOLIC CONCERT

An entertainment in which children largely participate is generally au enjoyable one, and the musicll and -dramatic entertainment given in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening by the pupils of the Convent School, assisted by several local artistes, was no exception to the rule. There was a good attendance of the public, every seat being occupied, and. judging by the hearty applause, the audience evidently enjoyed the programme putbefore them. The first part was tievoted to miscellaneous items, and opened with the overture "Don Juan,” nicely played by the Viti Bros’. Orchestra. ‘‘Messengers from Dairyland,” -a pretty two-part-chorus, was sweetly sung by some 30 girls, and a rather unique song, “The Gazoo Band,” was given by 20 boys. Thirtylive girls participated in the action song “Spanish Tambourine,” which was a charming item, and the “.Butterfly’” march, performed by sixteen little maidens, was also most enjoyable. The dressing in all these items was beautifully appropriate, the costumes for the “Tambourine- .Song,” especially, being very pretty. Tne children had to respond to emphatic encores for each item. Mr. K imp ton sang “The Holy City” (Adams) witft a rair measure oi success, and Mrs. 1\ Barry was recalled for her artistic singing of “The Gift." The duct, “Tell her I Love her So,” was contributed by Mrs. Sliierlaw and Mr. Grower, and Mr. H. Gibson, who has a light baritone voice of good quality, sang “For the King” (Bonheur), for which lie received a hearty encore. The duet “Life's Dream is O'er,” sung by Miss Hird and Mrs. P. Barry, brought the first- part to a close. This was Miss Hirers' initial appearance on a local platform and, despite her evident nervousness, she crcMtcd a favorable impression, whilst- Mrs. Barry sang with her usual charm. The accomp iniments were played by Miss Mcllhone and- Messrs Vita Bros.

Part two was devoted to the performance of a short drama entitled “Marie, the Child Heroine” (an episode in the life of Napoleon). Briefly related the plot is as follows: The father of Marie, on a charge of attempting to assassinate the Emperor, is thrown into prison, and subsequently condemned to death. Marie and her mother are suspected of complicity in the crime and are also imprisoned. Marie seeks an opportunity to plead before Napoleon arid, alter many trials and tribulations, is allowed to do so. To such good effect does she plead that her father is pardoned and lie, with his wife and the brave little Marie, are released, all ending in happiness. The part of a child is always a difficult one, but as “Marie,” Miss Lang achieved much success. Her acting was bright and full of charm, she spoke her lines clearly, arid her interpretation of a trying part was at ail times good. A considerable measure of success was also attained by Miss A. Tolley in the dual parts of “Marthe Brillot” and “Napoleon, the Emperor.” She has a good stage presence, find her singing and acting were, for a young girl, distinctly above the average, her “Napoleon” being especially good. Miss lfird, as the “Empress Josephine,” was distinctly nervous, and failed to sneak her lines clearly, but she nevertheless acted her part well. Miss R. Gordon made _ a suitable “Susette” (prison-keeper's daughter), and Misses ~ Walker, R. Pcttie, and Manning were charming Ladies of Honor. The other parts in a iiarge cast were well filled and were as follows:—“Nanette Brillot,” Miss E. Barry; “Jeanette Brillot,” Miss E. McConville; “Dame (Brillot,” Miss Ivy Neenan; “Madame Lajolais,” Miss Malone; “General Lajolais,” Miss* Desmond ; First Guard, Miss Tuohy; “Chorion’,” Miss Scully; G minis in Attendance, Masters lieunossv and To.!lev; “Hortense,” Miss Parker; Ladies-m-AYaiting, Misses Boyle. Alev, and R. Cusscn. During the performance several solos and choruses were nicely sung, and Miss Parker played a charming mandoline solo. In tlie intervals Messrs Vita Bros, played the Intermezzo from “Cavullleria. Rustieana” (Mascagni), aud a selection from “Lucia di Lammermoor” (Donizetti), and, with Miss McFlione, also supplied the incidental music. The drama was nicely mounted, and the dresses of the performers wore both suitable and pleasing. The entertainment was, as a whole, distinctly successful, and much, credit is due to tho sisters of tlie convent, under whose careful and painstaking tuition the various performers were enabled to make an eminently satifactory public appearance.