AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18, 22 July 1919, Page 3

AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE

A JOYOUS EVENING,

The impromptu concert at the Grand Opera House .arranged by Mr. Albert Russell as a substitute for the. open-air concerts, cancelled,on account of the bad weather, was carried.through in truly joyous fashion. As the decision to cancel all arrangements for the holding of open-air concerts, was not arrived at tiil after noon yesterday, it was not pos' sible to build up a set programme, and indeed such a programme was not necessary, for performers and. audience alike were in a mood befitting the occasion. The work of the artists was happy and willing, and th,e appreciation of the crowded house spontaneous and enthusiastic from the rise'of the curtain, when Mr. Russell explained the aim and scope of the entertainment, and. stated amid applause that the J. C. Williamson management had granted the use of the theatre free of charge, to the closing item and the singing of the National Anthem. From the balcony of the theatre the Salvation Army Band discoursed joyful music during the evening, to passers'.by and those who were unable to gain admission. The opening items were given by a vocal quintette, Misses Doris.Guise, Wyn Faulkner, and Cassie Lucas, and Messrs. Albert-Russell and Errbl Fuller, their chosen numbers and encores being "Bells of Peace," "Pack Up Your Troubles," and "Katie." 7"The Marseillaise,", sung Jjy Mr. Fuller, roused the audience to prolonged applause, a recognition not merely of the singer's art, but of' the sacrifices made by England's grandest ally. If, however, the house was at heart serious for the moment; the mood passed quickly when Mr. Bussell appeared in his welcome role of comedian. His " Priceless Percy " was immense, and his " Senora" equally enjoyable; Vocal numbers and recalls were given by: Miss .Sapsford, ("Bird of Love Divine" and " Pipes of Pan "), Mrs. Harry Downes (" Bells of St. Mary's" and "Sometimes in Summer"), Messrs. Verdi M'Kenzie ("Up from Somerset" and "The Deep Bassoon"), Montague Gillmore ■■(" Take a Pair of Sparkling fives" and the Prologue from " Pagliacci"), G. Austin Blackio (" Mary of Argyle" and " Laurette "), and D. D. M'Donald (" Invictus" and "Fallen Roses "J. The audience fully showed its enjoyment of violin solos by Mr. Jack Ridler (Poussand's " Une Plaint" and " Russian Dance") and Mr. L. Spiro (Schubert's " Serenade" and " Simple Aveu"), but the most popular items of tne evening were after all the broadly humorous numbers and character sketches contributed by Miss Fanny Kutner ("Walnufa and Wine" and "Napoo"'), Mr. Norman Aitken (" A Dinky Di Sol-

dier'Vand " 'Ercules"), Mrs. W. B. Johnston (" Why Do the Boys Run After Mo?" and "Now I Bfeve to Call him Father "), Miss Queenie M'lnerney (" On the Staff " and " Baggy Breeches "), Mr. L. W. Hanton (" Cohen at the 'Phone '), Mr. Harry Maxwell ("Huckleberry Finn"), and Miss B-oney ("Skinny Picaninny"). Mr. Hanton and Mr.' Maurice Tracey provided a deal of wholesome fun by their by-play as clowns. Miss R. Foster, at the piano, played accompaniments 'in a charming and artistic manner. From first to last the concert was a thorough success, and Mr. Albert Russell, his committee, and performers are alike deserving of the highest praise ' for their part in the happy celebrating of the advent of Peace.