HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16498, 2 August 1924, Page 12

HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT.

SUCCESSFU LE N TER T AIN M ENT. A CROWDED HOUSE. It is just two years ago since it was first decided to hold the ' annual' High School concerts in the Opera House, which prior to that were held in the school assembly hall, where only a favored few were enabled to attend, on account of tihe limited space. The first concert in the Opera House proved such an unexpected success that it was decided they should always bo held there, where everyone was at liberty to attend. This decision was amply justified last night, when the Opera House was crowded, not a seat being available some time before the commencement of the programme. The' entertainment was of an exceptionally high standard, and remarkable originality was displayed. The programme reflected greatly to the credit of the organisers, and when the audience filed awav from the theatre at the conclusion of the entertainment everyone was loud in their expressions oi appreciation. One of the special features was the costuming, which was exceptionally pretty and appropriate, and showed that considerable ingenuity had been brought into play on the part of the organisers. Before the staging of the. concert I many were- dubious about its success, on account of the absence of Mr. Wiikes, who had proved a very efficient organiser, but these duties were ably carried out. by Mr. Contain, whose efforts were amply rewarded by the success last night. In all the items there was evidence of considerable talent and ingenuity on the part of the young performers, and the audience demonstrated their appreciation in no uncertain manner. The programme was a lengthy and well-varied one, and each of the numbers was followed by prolonged applause from the audience. Following an overture by the orchestra, a- humorous item, “The School Tuck Shop,” was staged by Eileen Evans and party. The setting was a scene in a shop, and the characters were appropriately attired as fruit, vegetables, sweets, refreshments, etc. The dialogue was very clever, and each thrust was greeted by bursts ol laughter from the audience. " The theme of this number was the popular song, “Yes, We Have No Bananas,” sung to different words appropriately composed to meet the case. No High School concert is complete without Lottie Trowell and .Joyce Glanville, who for years have featured prominently in vocal duets. This year they contributed the duet “Gentle Spring,” which proved so popular that it had to be repeated. Lottie _ Trowell also appeared later in the evening in a charming solo “The Cuckoo,” which received a very good hearing. A very pleasing and deter ballet was presented by Y. Paltridge and party, which was so much appreciated by everyone that a repetition had to be given. One of the best items was L, Seliwabe’s piano solo, Dekker’s “Chimes.” and as an encore Dc!mssy’s “Abaresque.” A very popular number was a scene from Sheridan’s well-known comedy, “The Rivals,” in which the various points in the dialogue were well brought out. The part of Mrs Malaprop was played by Nancy Leslie, with Stan Vincent as Captain Absolute, Jim Campbell as Sir Anthony Absolute, and E, Robinson as Lydia Languish. The “malapropisms” greatly amused the audience, and this item was much appreciated. An amusing sand-jig was very well executed by N. Harper and L. Brown, this number being capped by a well-turned “cart-wheel.” The concluding number ill the first half of the programme was a very'pleasing song “Pilgrim’s Chorus,” by the girls’ singing class.

The second half of the programme was even better than the first. The opening number was an exceptionally pretty fan dance by Tai Ngata and party. The costumes were exquisite and the effect the many-hued spotlights had upon them made a picture which would be hard to forget. The dancing was exceptionally good, and the audience were amazed that such an item could be prepared in so short a time. A physical drill exhibitioniby a squad of tire house boys proved a great hit, especially when, at the conclusion of their number, they formed a pyramid on the stage. This was fol lowed by a humorous part song “The Catastrophe,” by more of the house boys and Mr. Scott which so amused everybody that an encore, “Spin Spin,” had to be given. A story without words by Vb. girls proved an excellent number aiid kept the audience in convulsions of laughter. The costumes and dancing in a “madcap” ballet by Peggy Dennis and party were of a very high standard, and this performance was so persistently applauded that a repetition had to be given. R. Dunbar’s humorous recitation was a much-enjoyed item, and was followed by well-merited applause. Her enunciation was very good, and her part was not overdone. “A Simple Melody” staged by Nancy Eastwood and party was the last Item before the finale. The soloist was Grace Packe. This number was based on a contrast of the quaint and simple dancing of the olden days with t'lio modern “jazz.” One half of the company were dressed in Victorian crinolines and the other half in modern attire. All the performers of the evening assembled for the final chorus “Aloha,” in which the soloist was Tai Ngata and the appearance of the numerous performed in their variety of costumes presented a very remarkable and pretty spectacle. A very pleasing and.- successful evening v was brought to a close by the singing of tliei National Anthem.

Just before the concluding item the Rector, Air. F. Foote, took the opportunity to say » few words about the organiser’s side of the entertainment. He had had nothing whatever to do with the preparations,Mie said, and he congratulated the performers on their excellent display. Considering that thei rehearsals and preparations were commenced only three weeks ago, the programme was very well carried out. The preparations had not greatly affected the school work. He expressed his thanks to the teaching sfaff, and Messrs. Seymour, Millard and Zachariah for their capable assistance. This year they had not had Mr. Wilkes to assist them, but in his absence Mr. Con lam had proved a capable organiser. The proceeds of thei concert were in aid of the school bath fund, and already a great deal o-f the necessary money was to hand for the construction.. More was needed, however, but it was hoped to have the baths completed when the warm weather sets in. (Applause.) A great deal of the success of the concert was due to tho efforts of the orchestra. This was twenty strong and was under Iho able baton of Mr. JI, 11. Langtry, R.M.S.M. .Several excellent items were rendered including “The Caliph of Bagdad.” “Eideilwciss ! ’ gavotte, and “Bells Across the Meadows,” all of which were much appreciated by the audience. The solo accompaniments for the evening wore rendered by Nancy Leslie and L. Schwabe.