THE PINK DANDIES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2791, 8 June 1916, Page 6

THE PINK DANDIES

A BRIGHT LITTLE COMBINATIONS >. Tovers of the "Dandy" cult, which was introduced originally some ten years ago by tno "Merrymakers," and followed- up ' the "Scarlet Troubadours," under Mr. Edwanl Branscombe's management .(who established the Dandies of every sliade), will be • pleased with the Pink variety which sprouted vigorously ill the Concert Chamber last evening. Whilst the little company possesses no overpowering personalities, each member is talented 7 and experienced, and zip and verve character istdt lie performance before a packed audience, which thoroughly enjoyed -the programme from beginning to end. Amongst the old favourites none was mora warmly welcomed than Mr. Ford Wal' tham, basso, who was always amusing in the ensemble numbers, and as a solov ist plumbed the-vocal depths effectively —. in "Forging the Anchor," arid that.evergreen stand-by of every bass singer, "Drinking." He also imported fresh humour into the ancient comic song, "Cockles and Mjissels," which our grandfathers Chortled in gay moments. Another welcome performer of diverse talent, who is more subtle and clever than _ wildly comic, is Mr. Joseph Brennan. His inosi finished and artistic effort was the French song-'Toila," a perfected bit of mummery. His make-up as "Gilbert the Filbert"' was excellent, and he was-amus-ing in the rather drawn-out finale, "Chrysanthemums" (sacred to the memory of Barry Lupino). Mr. Marshall Lawrence is a startlingly robust baritone, whose percussive notes hit;the back wallof the theatre and' rebounded-.to the singer. He sang "The Blue Dragoons' and "Tho Admiral's Broom with great vigour. Mr. John Campbell is a- pleasing performer. He saug cheerfully about the girls Vat the seaside,'and was quite at home in the vocal duet with. Music," with Miss Rita Fitzgerald. The , tenor of the. company, Mr. Roltfrt -Agneiv, has "a .light voice that fills a place in tho concerted music, aiid was • tflirlyeffective in the ballad 'Macushla, and the encore it induced. The ladies of the company are as winsome as tney are talented. Miss Ida Newton exhibited- a keen"sense of roguish cajolery in lvnittirig" and "Impressions," and made, an attractive housemaid in the laughable finale. The Dandies possess a clear, strong soprano'in Miss Liiy -I itzgerpld,. who -with an appreciation of the meteorological conditions sang "Never Mind the Weather," that tempting Ivove- and Laughter" ditty that so gaily reflects .the gospel of Omar. She also sympathised prettily with Mr. Agncw in a filulosopliical duet. Miss -Rita Fitzgerald, was naive • in her vocal disquisition on 'Men* and also chirruDed the ragtime lilt, Handy, s. Christening?' A male quartet sang Calm is the Night" with nice effect, and plemented it with the tragic episode about Marv's lamb that found its fold in the boardinghouse dining-room. One of the best of the many ensemble numbers was the singing of the "Blue Danube waltz, • which made a delectable finale to thenrst Pink Dandies will make the Concert Chamber their homo for the ensuing month. -