“THE ORIGINALS."

Taihape Daily Times, 20 February 1918, Page 4

“THE ORIGINALS."

“Better than ever.” was the unanimous verdict of the crowded audience that greeted the return visit of “The Originals,” at the Town Hall last night. From the rise to the fall of the curtain the girl entertainers had the audience with them. Every performer had to submit to imperative encores, and thd splendid reception they received encouraged them to give of their best, with the result that the entertainment was lifted o an artistic level rarely attained and never excelled by any band of entertainers who have visited this town. With one or two exceptions the items on the programme were quite new. Miss Maie Henderson captivated the audience with charming solo numbers, and in her concerted items with Miss Henderson and other members of the company acted and sang very dainty. Miss Tui Hillyer has a light contralto voice of very pleasing quality, and her contribution in “Chinatown” was delightful. She also sang “His Mummy 7 s Eyes,” with a charm and simplicity that was captivating altogether In Miss Ivy Dennison the company possesses a soprano of great sweetness, and her solos were sung with taste. In “Your Voice is Calling Me.” Miss Elsie Evans was quite successful. and in this and her other numbers her intonation and enanciation were extremely good. Established as a prime favourite with the audience on her previous appearance, Miss Eva Sharp enhanced her reputation last night, two of her most popular solos being “Laddie in Khaki” and “The year Old Fighting Boys,” though we have a preference for “Land of Hope,” which was sung very nicely. As a monologist; Miss Shiela McGregor possesses undoubted ability, her transitions from grave to gay denoting the true artistic temperament. Her interpretation of “When the Boys Come Home,” and “Old Spotty” left nothing to be desired, while her humorous numbers were equally good. We should like to have had more of Miss Ethel Hopkins, her solitary appearance with Miss Dennison in “ Summer Time” giving an indication of her local ability. In Miss Myrtle Wilkinson the company have an artist who,

to use an Americanism, can, “commede,” her singing of “Somebody/» and ‘‘ITl You Want ing very good, while her concerted parts with Miss Henderson in “Fancy You Fancying Mo,” and “Kissing,”' were both humorous and dainty. As a danseuse, Miss Vera Maybee excelled herself, her items being examples of grace and poise, her dancing with Miss Wilkinson in “Tipperary” and “Little Dutch Doll” being effective. The concerted items were all capitally rendered, those deserving of special mention being “Beautiful Ragtime Doll,” “Whose B'oys?” and “Ragtime Goblin Man.” These numbers went with a vim and verve which was delightful to listen to. During the evening every performer was the recipient of floral tributes from the audience, who were loth to part with “The Original Girls.”

Just before the concluding number was staged, Mrs. Burmister, the musical directress, thanked the Taihapo people for the very hearty welcome they had extended to “the girls” that evening, and also for the hospitality in billeting them during their stay. “You all know what we are working for.” the speaker added, “and the! who have given up their annual holiday to help the Navy League, have to go back to their everyday work. We have enjoyed our visit to Taihape, and some day, perhaps, we may come back.” (Applause.) Mrs. Burmister, at this stage, was presented with a bcauful bouquet, which she smilingly acknowledged. ■ The National Anthem concluded the entertainment, when the girls gave three cheers for Taiahpe, which rvas heartily returned by the audience.