THE SMART SET.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 232, 22 September 1914, Page 3

THE SMART SET.

Pukekohe lias the reputatam of Win? m p ■ r " show town." but tliiu r putaii u was probably forced upon it by the poor class of shows that were brought to this township in pre-uewspaper clays, when PukeI kolie was unknown to the better theatrical world. The big audience at lust night's Smart Set entertainment clearly showed that the Pukekohe play-going public can appreciate a good thing when they get it. The promises of the advance notices were entirely fulfilled and the performance was highly meritorious. The chorm " The Girls All Dote on a Military Mau" jiossessed a topical smack, which immediately ensured its success; and " The Three Bachelors " and other concerted items were all cleverly staged and brightly executed. One of the principal items, " A Tango Tease," consisted of a laughable burlesque upon a Tango tea, and contained a rich vein of satire. Incidentally an example of the Tango Was skilfully executed by Walter George and Miss Georgie Martin. Vocally the Smart Set are well represented. Miss Lalla Knight, a light soprano, was insistently encored. A similarly enthusiastic reception was accorded Miss Gweunyth Evans, a rich, contralto, whose principal contribution was an artistic interpretation of " Sunshine and Rain." Of tho male vocalists, Maurice Jones, a cultured tenor, with a particularly clear enunciation, proved himself to be a iirst-elass artist by his singing of " Nirvana " and " The Rosary." Ernest Parkes, a powerful baritone, sang " Shipmates o' Mine," and joined with Maurice Jones in " Watchman, What of the Night ?" Mr Walter George is also a baritone of quality. Another vocalist is Gavin Wood, who last night sang •' There's a Land," and gave a dramatic monologue. The chief mirth-makers of the troup are Miss Georgie Martin and Harry de Robeck. The comedienne sang " Snooky Ookums " and " Now I Have to CaU Him Father " and other character songs, while the male merry-maker sang " Drinks," and contiibuted other comic numbers in an original and highly - amusing style. Mr Edger Hulland is the able accompanist of the Smart Set.