THE DANDY DIXIE MINSTRELS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15774, 15 March 1922, Page 8

THE DANDY DIXIE MINSTRELS

A big audience at the Opera House last night enjoyed an evening of minstrels, vaudeville and farce comedy, with harmony and solo singing, and clever dancing. The Dandy Dixie Alinstrels, headed by Jolly John Larkius, fully maintained the reputation that preceded them, and the delight of the audience was manifested by the hearty applause and numerous recalls, every performer scoring a "hit" in solo and company work. The keynote of the entertainment .was fun—<ind laughter loud and prolonged indicated the state of merriment at times—but there were other features that would have stood the test in any concert ball. Jolly John Larkins was a host in himself, and with Billy Sumner, another clever colored comedian, he gave some fine examples of the old-time nigger minstrel entertainments. A good chorus by the company soon put everyone in real good humor, and then followed individual items or concerted numbers, interspersed with jokes and much witty patter, in which Jolly John Larkins, Hilly Sumner, and Don Wallace took part. The trio also gave some fine individual vocal numbers, Billy Sumner was given a triple encore for his songs, and incidentally gave a popular ami novel turn to the proceedings by introducing a little imitation of a haka during the ragtime speciality. His dancing was also a feature. Don Wallace sang a number of songs in good style, and in striking style recited the well-known

"Dan McGrew." Jolly John was also repeatedly recalled for his amusing vocal numbers, and the darky melodies were much appreciated. Miss Daisy Morris did some dainty dancing, and gave some delightful vocal numbers, especially the "Cuddlcy Kid." The Hawthorne sisters, Rosa and Violet, greatly pleased the audience. Miss Rosa scored a big success first with "Old Kentucky Home,' in which the company joined with tfie chorus. Miss Violet proved a brilliant tecompaniste on the piano. The sisters' singing of "The Barcarolle" proved such a popular number that they bad to respond to a triple encore, tiie other items included "Beautiful Ohio" and

'Mother Machree." A »iost laughable Farce, followed by a good chorus, terminated a. very enjoyable entertainment. The costuming of the company was excellent, and the dresses of the lady performers were much admired. The company is to make a district- tour, and should prove a bip attraction to those who enjoy a bright and merry entertainment.