MARIST BROTHER'S PUPILS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8608, 19 December 1913, Page 10

MARIST BROTHER'S PUPILS

ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENT. The Opera House was crowded last evening for tho popular annual enrertainment given by the Marisb Brothers'’ iAJaoql. A first-class programme . was submitted, consisting of vocal, instrumental and elocutionovy items, followed by a dramatic performance of considerable merit. Versatility was abundantly apparent in the students, who evidently receive a good all-round training. The overture was played by the Opera House orchestra, who rendered valuable assistance during tho evening. The school choir, a well-disci planed comnany, gave a.nice rendering of “God Bless the Prince of Wales,” and subsequently of “Let tho Hills Resound” (Richards). The champion juvenile choir of which those who attended the recent competitions will have pleasant recollections, were heard to advantage in ' "Sweet and Low” (Barnby) and “Erin, the Tear and the Smile” (Moore), the latter unaccompanied. Another interesting number was the semi-chorus. "Music and Her Sister Song." by competition choristers. A dialogue, That Famous Hatchet,” was brightly given by Masters F. Gormley, J. Sandbrook and P.. Blowmau, and Masstcr Frank J. Gamble, was responsible_ for a creditable interpretation ,of "Not Understood* (Bracken) as a musical monologue. Master Eric Doull was successful in the character sketch. "The Modern Mrs ’Vamp” (Barry Pain), and Master John Gamble provided a pleasing recital of "Wolsey’s Soliloquy.” The ballad "Asthore” (Troterel was sung by Master Frank Griffin with the added attraction of' a violin obligato by Master Ben O’Brien, Master Lionel Andrews being at the piano. Other vocal items were the eolo "I Wonder if Ever the Rose,” by Master Allan Johnson, a plantation song, "Old Man Moon," by Master William Gavin and chorus, and ((ho duet, "Ai Nostri Monti, 7 ’ by Masters Prank B- Gamble and F. Griffon. A humorous recitation. "When Pa Begins to Shave.” by Master Keble Hayward, was very effective. Master John McLean provided a convincing exhibition of the Highland fling,, and the champion boy violinist played in creditable style a selection from "Cavalleria Rusticana.” The first part of the programme concluded with a pretty exhibition of flag drill. After a rendition by Mr Woodward’s orchestra, the pupils staged the drama. “Tarcissius, or the Roman Martyrs,” a heavy work for young performers, but one in which they sustained their part* with ability. The drama consists of no fewer than four acts and twelve scones. In the name part Master Eddie Smith presented the character of the Christian orphan boy in an attractive manner. The dramatis personae was as follows: —Max imian (Emperor of Rome), F. Mooney; TertuUus (Prefect of Rome), V. Roche; Corvinus (son of Prefect; net 1., D. Ua.lieban. Act. 11.. James Kyau, E. Murray; Roman Praetor, M. O’Sullivan; Marcus (Tarcissius’ pagan playmate;, W. Gamble; Petiiius (a companion of Balbus), Jotm Griffiths; Balbus (a bully), T. Fouhy; Fulvius (an Eastern citizen and Roman spy), J. Gamble; Calphurnius 'a pompous Roman philosopher), H. Gregory; Fabius (a noble Roman), P. Griffin ; Proculns (a lover of good fare and high society), F. B. Gamble; Anninius (a Dacian sentinel). Peter Kraus; Ursus (a slave), L. Cookson; Justus (Fabius' steward), C. McCosker); Statue of Adonis, P. Reeves; Officers, H. Vanev, J. Peeley; Lictors, A. McParland, J. Delaney; Statue of Mercury, F. McFarland; Pagan Priests, Leo. Dwan, B.; O’Brien, G. Ashbridge, J. McAteer, Christians—Tarcissius (a Christian orphan boy), Eddie Smith; Donatus (a Christian Bishop), A. J. Griffin; Reparatus (a deacon), F. -T. Gamble; Quintus (a deacon), Ben O’Brien; Sebastian (a Roman Tribune), J. Ross; Quadrates (a Roman Centunonh L. Andrews; Pancratius (son of a Roman Patrician). W. Corby;-Servant, Gormley; Cassianns (a Roman schoolmaster). C. McFarland; Diogenes (a fossor), J. Pope. The performance concluded with a spectacular tableau, "Christ, not Caesar, , Rules in Rome.”