Scarlet Troubadours

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 13947, 27 July 1918, Page 4

Scarlet Troubadours

BRIGHT PERFORMANCE LAST NIGHT. The Scarlet Troubadours, pioneers in this class of entertainment, have established a reputation which has survived long absence and many rivals. Returning with an almost complete change in personnel and costume, and a fresh supply of mirth and music, tlio Troubadours wore welcomed by an appreciative audience last night. Th 0 company’s strength is in its vocalism; comedy is not its strong suite, the humour being rather pallid, and lacking apontaniety. The concerted work of the company was good, tho operatic selections: ‘ ‘ Anvil Chorus” (II Travatore), ‘Temptation Song” (Samson ' and Delilah), and “Waltz” (Romeo and Juliet) gave evidence of the musical strength of the team and its ability to interpret compositions making large demands on their undoubted talent. Miss Madeline" Knight was the soloist in the “Temptation Song,” and though her performance somewhat -- lacked in fire and abandon, this was one of the best numbers. Later Miss Knight was doubly encored for her solo work, her Maori song finding particular favour with the audience. Miss Lalla Ward, a charming little lady, sweet singer and soubretto, was linked with Messrs Face and Miller in a nautical trio, vigorous and breezy and her solo “Dream Boat” with invisible chorus had a soothing lilt in tho catchy refrain. Miss Ivy Davis is a dramatic soprano, and her robust tone gave song to the chorus work, and for her “Back to Virginia” she was recalled. Miss Hilda McMurtry is a dainty dancer, Lithe and vivacious. Her glorified sailor’s hornpipe had a touch of ballet, and the duct with Mr Reg. Tawthorne was n, joyous whirl. Mr Andrew Pace is premier artist of the troupe; his mild manner, and soft, rather nasal tenor draws pictures in pastels—his tones are subdued but h.is artistry is urmiistalvcable. For Ills solo he wa doubly encored, but one of his popular little French chansons was not forthcoming. Mr. Rex Miller, the robust baritone, achieved his greatest sacess in ‘ ‘ The Toreador. ’ ’ Powerful. .

vigorous, dramatic, he sang this fiery solo with force and abandon. There were several comedy sketches, in which Mr Keg Hawthorne bore the heaviest burden. Mr Geo. Livingstone also contributed some humorous songs. The final burlesque, “A Ragtime Musical Sale, ’' had the charm of novelty. Set in a shop at sale time, th ( > interwoven courtship and courtesy of the shopwalker as he served his fair client, conducting the transaction to music, was a clever piece of foolery, and oil this the curtain fell and the audience smiled itself out into the chilly night air. A change of pragramme will be presented at the Opera House to-night.