ENTERTAINMENTS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2667, 24 November 1909, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

“THE HAYMAKERS.”

The performance cf Roots’ wellknown cantata, “The Haymakers.” by the members of the Methodist Church choir, assisted by several members of kindred choirs and an orchestra attracted a large and most appreciative audience to His Majesty’s Theatre last night. The work is one which lends itself admirably to most effective grouping and color effects, and from a scenic point- of view the production was extremely good. The large chorus was clad in picturesque garb, and with the stage covered with a jirofusion of hay, and with scythes, rakes, and other implements in evidence, the scene was most realistic. The general effect was also enhanced by clever manipulation of the limelight apparatus. Not the least enjoyable feature of the entertainment was the work of the orchestra under the baton of Mr. A. It. Don. Their performance was distinctly creditable, especially in the choruses illustrative of the passing of a thunderstorm, while the opening symphony, “Pastorale,” was pleasingly rendered. The cantata is pureli* a pastoral one, and contains some pretty numbers, recitatives, solos, duets, quartettes, and quintettes, while' there are also numbers for the full chorus, and choruses for male and female voices separately. As the “farmer,” a great deal of work fell on the shoulders of Mr. H. J. McClymont. In both solos and recitative he used his fine baritone voice with telling effect, hut at times his articulation was rather faulty. Miss Gray, who represented the farmer’s daughter, also acquitted herself very creditably. She was heard to most advantage in the number “The birds have sought the forest shade,” and the dream song. “There’s none so brave as Willie.” Misses Thompson and ..Wilkinson sang the duet “Sweet, morn, how-lovely is thy face,” nicely, their voices blending well togethdr. In the role of a dairymaid, Miss GlovenJiad little to do, hut she was heartily encored for a pleading rendition of the.song “A. Dairymaid am I.” Mesdames Allen and Don, and Messrs . Brqwnlee.. .Bullock, - Holmes, Alexander, and Barlow were the other performers who took leading parts. The chorusf' considering that their opportunities for rehearsal were not of the best, performed, on the whole, well. The lack of a final rehearsal in. the theatre, was distinctly noticeable in the grouping on the stage. There was hardly enough expression in some or the numbers, and on one or two accasions the singers appeared to be slightly at variance with the orchestraSome of the choruses, however, can only be classed as distinctly good, and amongst these were “Softly the twilight fades,” “A Shower, a Shower, and the final number, “Harvest Home.” _ ' Taking into consideration the whole work, and, as has been mentioned, the disabilities under which the choir. labored in regard to rehearsals, the result of the production was distinctly satisfactory, and reflected great, credit upon- conductor and performers alike.

PATHE PICTURES.

To-night the Pabhe' Company will be back at His Majesty’s Theatre with a splendid programme. “Saved 'by -Telegraph” is the star film, and is subject depicting life on a ranch in North America, one of the most sensational pictures vet seen locally. To lovers of travel “A Train Ride through Hong Kong” will appeal, not merely fpr its . spectacular value, but as a faithful representaton of one of the most picturesque parts of the world. lh® “Voice of the Violin” is a story of romance which was nearly shattered by intrigue, but in which music avoided a disaster and brought things'to a happy climax. “The Burglar’s Mistake' is the presentation of an unfortunato blunder* and proves how find a pointof perfection is reached in animated art in dramatic work. Mention must bo made of “The Coster’s Runaway,” a. comic extravaganza. A long list- Pcomic pictures includes “A Hot Tune in a Cold Quarter,” “The Long Arm of the Law.” and “The Cripple’s Wedding.” V. .