ENTERTAINMENTS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 12 November 1924, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE TO-NIGHT. • ‘‘LOVE iJeTTER'S,” mW ei f nS at tile °P era House togbt for a season of two nights and Wr.-qii ma |^ nees “Love Letters,” a W illiam lox production etarrinp- Shirley Mason, will he shown. °lt L deeenhecl as a . romance of youthful roily there is a strong vein of mystery winch increases the suspense that precedes a surprise climax. Direction, east and photography are praiseworthy Those} who%e? “Love yr n "'V* 1 ’ 6 « re,ii "B "-«ii spent. A supporting programme of exceptional merit includes A 1 St i ln o S la,test riot ■ of' 'fun! Highly Recommended,” Reginald SfW m round eighteen of the Fot n™ s . Eu s '' and the ,at « s ‘

FISK JUBILEE SINGERS. At present the oldest touring company in the world is the Fisk Jubilee omgeis. Originally starting in 1863 they have toured every clime, and have sung before audiences composed of the leading representatives of the nations of the .world. It is estimated that the favourite Steal Away” has been sung by them 16,000 times. Of course the old personnel has changed considerabiy, although Miss Belle Gibbons is still with the troupe, and Miss Marjorie Alwyne, Mr Harry Penn and Mr Buntly Spencer have toured with the company on a previous occasion. The new artists in the company consist of Miss Alice Baptist, mezzo-soprano: Mr Maxwell, basso; Mr Harrie Franklin, baritone; Miss D&vina Morrison, operatic soprano; and Miss Thompson, soprano. Mr Huntly Spencer is said to be one of the finest coloured singers in Australia, and his quaint sense of humour adds the necessary piquancy to a programme, laden with good things. The New York Tribune says: ‘‘They came, they conquered, they sang to us such harmony, such blending of voices, such -execution we never heard before. Without doubt the Fisk Jubilee Singers stand alone.” The Fisks have an appeal to all classes. Their simple, heartreaching melodies are acceptable to tfijs most close critics as well as the less musically educated portion of- the audience. It is but natural that these coloured folk, whose ancestors were fervent members of the Baptist and Episcopalian Churches of the Southern States of America, should mix hymns with the light' ragtime, melodies’ humorous choruses and plantation songs, hut they do either well. The company Opens a short season in Hawera on Monday next.