GOOD CONCERT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32501, 8 November 1944, Page 3

GOOD CONCERT

FUNCTION AT WHITIANGA

AN EXCELLENT EVENING

PATRIOTIC FUNDS ASSISTED

A patriotic concert was held in the Whitianga Hall on October 25. The organisers were Mrs Armstrong, Mrs Ralph and Mrs Russell. Mrs Smith arranged a splendid section of children’s items.

The concert commenced with an overture, “Blaze Away,” played hy Mrs 'Rose {piano accordion) and Mrs Hare (piano).

The curtain rose to a lovely Christmas scene, the stage being a picture of silver, tinsel, coloured lights, streamers, gay Chinese lanterns and two. beautifully laden Christmas trees. Mr W. H. Heald, in the uniform of an Army Officer, sang, “White Christmas,” while for the chorus, “Santa Clans,” led a huge dog in, drawing a sledge, driven by four tiny girls dressed in very pretty white ballet frocks with jingling bells on the reins as they drove slowly round the stage. Then came four chorus girls dressed in black frocks of “Sonja Henie” style, short full skirts relieved by a white band of “fur” at hem and round the fitted bodice. They wore high black boots laced in white. The girls danced and sang in the chorus. Those taking parts were: Chorus, Mifeses Joy and Mary Sewell, Joyce Bronlund and Dorothy Troughear; iSanta Claus, George Simpson; tiny tots, June Armstrong, Judith Jackman, Sonia Lee, Lynette White. Mrs Ralph arranged the item, made the costumes and was the accompanist.

Other items were Amusing reciitation,. by Frank Simpson; playette, “Snow White and Rose Red,” in costume, the children speaking their lines clearly and acting very nicely. The cast included Alma Simpson, Jennifer Smith, Claire Matheson, Kerry Lee and Graham Russell.

A bracket o/ Maori songs, with action, “In A Canoe,” “Now Is The Hour,” and “Kiwi,” were sung by schoolgirls in costume, Margaret'Russell, 'Dorothy Moss, Heather and ■Brenda Lee, Lila Chaney, Ann Smith, Dawn Colquhoun. A recitation by Jennifer Smith was the next item and was followed ■by the Fairy Ballet which caused much fun. The “fairies” were local business men, dressed in ballet frocks of pastel shades and they danced' the light fantastic in great style in the “Spring Daisy iDance.” At the end each fairy picked up a basket of daisies, throwing a bloom now and then to the audience. The tallest fairy (6ft.), had the tiniest basket. They lustily sang “Daisy.” Bouquets were presented to each as they returned to the stage. The dance soloist was Mr L. Smith and the other “fairies” were Messrs L. Armstrong, M. (George, L. Russell, W. Heald.

A play, “The Rising Generation,” was very well portrayed, and caused much amusement., 'Mr H. Simpson and his two daughters, Mrs E. Prestage and Miss Margaret Simpson were the cast. Mr W. H. Heald sang in good style, “Bachelor Gay,” and for an encore, “Until.” Mrs 'Rose was the accompanist. “Surgical Operation,” a humorous sketch without words, , was acted l by Mr L. Armstrong as “Dr. Kuttemupski,” Mr L. Russell, “Nurse Stitchemupski,” and Mr L. Smith, the patient, “Ivan Rushmeupski.” The shadow was all the audience saw of the operation and it caused much amusement. The sketch was well carried out. Mr L. Armstrong gave a humorous elocutionary item, “The 'Student.” Mrs Rose and Mrs Hare played “Invercargill” for the opening number of the second half of the programme. 'Schoolgirls in black and white uniforms, gave a splendid display of physical culture, the rod drill being most attractive with the gaily decorated rods of multi-coloured streamers. Mrs Russell had trained the girls well and actions and timing were excellent. The pianist was Mrs Ralph. The girls taking part were Barbara Smith, Betty Oxley, Margaret Russell, Lorna and Dawn Colquhoun, Dorothy Moss, Lyla Chaney, Ann Smith, Heather Lee. A humorous recitation “The One and Only,” was given 'by George Simpson. A. bracket of songs was nicely rendered by Misses Joy and Mary Sewell, Joyce Bronlund and Dorothy Troughear, “Ont Of The Bluegums,” 'being Very popular. The accompanist was

Mrs Ralph. “Butter Ration,” by Alma Sampson caused much amusement. A silent sketch, “Madame Gazue, Thought Reader,” left no one in doubt as to her gifts. Messrs L. Russell, L. Armstrong and M. George carried out their parts well. A short play by the Simpson family, entitled “The Park Bench,” was well staged. The whole scene was very amusing and the cast was well chosen.

The chorus of school girls sang selections of Maori songs with actions and were all splendid. They sang the numbers, “Hoe-ra,” “Pa Kare-kare Ana” (in Maori). The final item by the “Fairy Ballet,” “Dying Swan,” was very warmly applauded. The dance soloist was Mr

L. V. Smith and the scene was most pathetic as the ballet of fairies wept at the side of the lovely “swan” as she gave her last flutter. The pianist was Mrs'L. N. Rose.

Mr G. Ross announced each item and added to the show with his' humour. The whole'concert was a great success and a credit to the organisers and to all artists assisting. Each item was heartily applauded. The costumes were very pretty and stage effect was very good. They played to a packed hall and reserved seats l were popular. The patriotic fund benefited by over £26. The sale of home-made •sweets resulted in £4 odd. The hall was later cleared for a dance and supper was served by the committee of ladies.