ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2403, 19 January 1909, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE RED AIELL.’

“The Red Mill” is essentially a present-day musical comedy, fuller tuneful music, boisterous humor, dainty and eccentric dances, quaint Dutch costumes, and wc-ti chosen songs. T.here is little plot, and only as much dialogue as is necessary s to connect the various dances, songs, and other “turns.” The scene is !,i,id in Holland, and that laud, with its many types of character and costume, provides a good setting for a musical pi’.ay. As produced by Mr. J. C. Williamson's Musical! Comedy Company at His Majesty’s Theatre to a crowded audience last night, the piece was greatly enjoyed. The humor centres around the adventures of two American tourists, who are staying at the “Red Mill” inn, and these individuals, “Con Kidder” and “Kid Connor,” interpreted respectively by Messrs John Ford and Fred Leslie, make the fun ‘fast and furious by their-absurdities, and keep tlio audience shrieking with ia-ughter from the rise of the curtain to its fall. Being hard up, these Americans first attempt to “bunco” the landlord for their board money, and afterwards impersonate with wonderful cleverness two Italian organ grinders, and admirably burlesque Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson. By this means they contrive to make a living, and also to unite various lovers who desire to be married. Among the large cast, the work 01 Air. Jcnn Ford, who was specially engaged in America, and of Air. Fred Leslie, stands out- prominently. Their knock- ? bout song and dance “Good-a-bye, John.” when they are disguised as organ grinders, was their best turn, and they were recalled again and again for their clever dancing and remarkable -acrobatic feats. Ae Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, they furnished some highly diverting stage humor, and the audience -faugned heartily at their pungent satires. In portraying varieties of character, from the American dude to fine -Bowery rough, they were equally at home, aed the conclusion of their turn, afarcical exhibition cf boxing, w‘is ’•-Microns in the extreme. .Muss Dave Godwin, as Bertha, the sifter of the burgomaster, had a part- that suited bar" excellently. In her principal rong. “The Legend of the Alyl/ Miss Godwin's fine soprano voice was heard to much advantage, and she received n- well-deserved encore. Aiiss Marie Eaton made a dainty Gretehen. daughter of the burgomaster, in love with a poor sailor whom she decides 1 o niarrv against her father s wisn. and Aiiss I-vv (Scott was a most acceptable Tim—the inkeeper’s daughter. Miss Eaton, who has a soprano voice of unusual range and quality, scoreu a decided success in the pretty song “Aioonbeams.” with an iinvisible chorus and stage effects which adued •creatlv to the charm of the solo. Whs Scott’s part- nllowed of more vivacity, and.* with Alessrs Ford and Leslie, 'she gained a place an the good -races of the audience in the catchy trio “Whistle It.” She was also loudly applauded for her graceful dancing. Air. Charles Lcder presented a -mux] character study as Willem, keeper of the Red. AIIVI inn. and his Dutch accent and mannerisms were highly entertaining, -and his dancing •docidedlv clever. Air. Percy Denton made a'good Jon Van Borken. the burgomaster, olid Air. Howard Hal was"»Mo good as Captain Dorm—the lover-of Gretehen. The other dharacters were well filled. The piece gi>es scope for fine chorus work ami magnificent mounting. The costumes are for the greater part of the stage Dutch national type.. and Hie ciovd of brightly dressed folk presents a weF -arranged and effective “color scheme.” The music is of the light sort, some of the airs being distinctly on tell v On the whole the production ic a 'delightful entertainment of the ■fighter kind, and is certain to be P °Mbo' ( RcHl Mill” Will be repeated Hiis evening, and to-morrow a musical comedy that- has proved high ysucccssful in England and America, Ihe Prince of Pfeen,” will be staged. THE .CHERNIAVSKI CONCERTS Sneaking of Leo, Jan, and Mischcl Cheniiavski the wqnderlul young musicians who visit Gisborne on l Satiirdav and Monday next, the Alusi—il Times” say-s: — . , ' •It was thought that the last word on musical prodigies bad been said, but whereas hitherto they have come i„ individuals, now they arc cmnniin families . Leo. Jail, and MisclnJL Cheniiavski have the- most blase- critics and concert-goers alike thrill with astonishment and dismay. Now conics the news that three more, of the same family are expected m England shortly. 1 hev «’iiw o J musical stock, the grandfather being a clever violinist, and, their fathei a o °Tbo < t > hroe most'^brilliant members of this wonderful family. Jan, concert 0 hXhr'the 1 W. 4 metro-

’ >J ’Under the auspices of Mr. Edward Branscoinbc —of AVestnunstei Wee fnin.o —these youngsters arc nmkm„ a tour of the Britb-h Empire. .. The box plan will he opened at Mr. tY Miller’s on Thursday morning.

The. value of shipping -passing +l, mu oh the Suez Canal m the course •Jf ifc\Ss is £II.OOO 000 and the great bulk of this is British.