ATHENIAN CLUB

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 49, 26 August 1938, Page 14

ATHENIAN CLUB

"COTTONFIELD CAPERS"

With last Wednesday's excellent presentation, "In Dixie-land," or "Cottonfield Capers" (the ninth of the current successful series), the Athenian Club completed a trip round the world. This well maintained the high standard of previous entertainments, and the programme, so thoroughly enjoyed by. a "full house," was both bright and ingenious. All the arrangements were made by joint hosts and hostesses, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Friend and Mr. and Mrs. W. Robinson, with Mr. H. Strange-Mure as "controller," Mr. W. H. Lane stage manager, and Mrs. H. Strange-Mure supper convener. Their well-known flair for novel and picturesque fun was never more evident than in "Cottonfield Capers." On a base of river-song and plantation melodies, was built a long and varied collection of suitable dances, and much credit is due for the good results achieved. Everything in the hall had its clever allusion to the early days of the cotton field. The stage contained a life-sized "Uncle

Tom's Cabin," a realistic touch which impressed on the audience the humble home of Harriet Beecher Stowe's immortal character. Smoke curled from the chimney, orange candles winked a welcome from windows looking out on a brilliant rambling hollyhock garden among sycamores—a real Uncle Tom grinned a welcome from the door log and a "mammy" tended laundry lines outside. Indeed, the skill shown in decoration gave a distinct "Show Boat" impression of the land of 'possum and coon, water-melon, and sugar cane, while the music selected as the vehicle' gave the negro spiritual cakewalk, minstrel show, and darktown rag. As cabaret-table ornaments, flowers gave place to miniature log cabins (cleverly made by the hostesses), with dishes of "sweet corn and m'lasses" at the portals, tiny black kewpies being plentiful. This was an effective idea, lending a very distinct character to the surroundings. Every man was handed a huge spotted bow tie in gaudy colours, and these worn throughout the evening gave a grotesque, but certainly colourful effect. Lighting schemes were as usual, In accurate taste with the subject, and streamers and novelty toys took the recognised place in the plan of action. Items of song and elocution interspersed with the novelty numbers were of the usual enjoyable quality. Mrs. Clyde Kennedy sang some delightful ballads with her own accompaniment; Miss Nannestad provided good humorous monologues; and Shand's "Tennessee Trumpeters"" produced many fine instrumental hits. Frequent novelty and prize dances adhered to the theme. "Piccaninny Trotters," a funny doll race was won by Mr. and Mrs. Pittendrigh (Jesse Owens) from Mr. and Mrs. H. Nickless (Eddie Tolan). "Coon Shooting" proved too elusive for most competitors, but Mr. and Mrs. W. Massey found the mark. An elimination event for teams found the "Kentucky Crooners," led by Mr. Richards and Miss Hogg, too good for rivals from Ohio, Georgia, Carolina, and Tennessee. Specially hearty musical honours were accorded those responsible for a very happy evening.