THE LYNCH FAMILY

Southland Times, Issue 20615, 13 October 1928, Page 3

THE LYNCH FAMILY

OPENING CONCERT. UNIQUE ENTERTAINMENT. At the Municipal Theatre last night this popular and talented company renewed acquaintance with an Invercargill audience, after an absence of three years from the Dominion. A most appreciative audience heartily welcomed them. In these days there seems to be a certain charm about the old style of entertainment, and people are glad to get something that differs in a way from the feverish vogues. The discordant clashing of jazz and its allies found no place in the programme, but the revival of the quieter and more soothing melodies, had a refreshing effect. The keynote of the playing of the Lynch Family is their unobtrusive artistry, and the absence of “clang” or “brassiness” was most noticeable. The opening instrumental item by the Lynch Family Trio (Messrs W. W., Will H. and James E. Lynch) was the Lohengrin March on the silver chimes, followed by “Rio Luits,” with the encore “Sweet Chiming Bells.” Succeeding numbers included “Thoughts of Thee,” “My Blue Heaven” and “Till Again.” Specially delightful were the pure haunting tones produced on the Glassophone, an instrument requiring very delicate manipulation. “Thou art so Dear,” “Juanita,” “Love’s old song,” “Gently Sleep” were played with rare artistry, and evoked insistent recalls. The supporting company included Mr Lester Barry, humorist, who also is a particularly fine baritone. His solo numbers in particular included “Ramona,” “Yesterday” and “Dixie.” Associated with Miss Pauline Kitchen they sang several excellent duets, notably the “Vagabond Song” from “Gipsy Love.” In comic dialogues they were particularly good and had the audience completely convulsed. Miss Kitchen also sang soprano solos, and as an artistic siffleuse is equal to anyone yet heard here. From the merest whisper to the loudest thrill it is quite effortless with her. In Miss Norma Hall the Lynch Family possess a very bright little personality. Her comic character songs were excellent, as were her burlesque dances. “Dont do your spooning at the Gatepost,” “The old cracked Basin” and “I Dillied and Dallied,” had the audience in an uproar. A special word of praise is due to Mr Will H. Lynch, who presided at the piano. An excellent accompanist, he is also a solo artist of considerable ability. Return concerts are promised at an early date, and are sure of enthusiastic patronage.