CONCERT AT WAIHOU

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6600, 16 May 1925, Page 4

CONCERT AT WAIHOU

IN AID OF PLUNKET SOCIETY

A GREAT SUCCESS On Thursday evening last a house full to overflowing greeted the efforts of Mr F. A. Jennings’s pupils at the Waihou Hall. A well arranged programme was presented and received throughout with marked enthusiasm, Mr W. Jonas’ efforts 'as stage manager adding vastly to the success of the performance, which went without a hitch.

The overture, Moskowski’s “Spanish Dance,” specially arranged for two pianos and organ, played by Misses Jessie Strange and Joan Jennings and Mr Jennings, was brilliantly performed. Miss Clytie Jackson (Waihou) was warmly encored for her vivacious reciting of “When Father Carves the Duck.” Miss Eva Hubert (Waihou) made a creditable first appearance in a pretty pianoforte selection “Barcarolle.” Miss Gwyneth Worrall (Waihou) caused much amusement with her droll rendering of “The Freckle-faced Girl,” and encore “Something Unusual.” Miss Joan Black (Waihou) quaintly garbed as Peter Pan, aroused the utmost enthusiasm with her brilliant rendering of the florid song “Pipes of Pan,” while Miss Nancy Gibson (Waihou) thoroughly charmed the audience with her beautiful old world costumes and posings as well as with her pleasing singing of the song “Lackaday.” Mr Dave Allison (Waihou) made an excellent first appearance in “When Song is Sweet,” and in response to a tumultous encore “A May Morning.” He also took the part of “Heavy Father” in the sketch “Come to the Fair,” his make up and characterisation being excellent. Taking part also were Mr Cyril Walton, as the Young Parson, and Miss Joan Jennings, who looked charming as The Girl. These two worked splendidly together. Miss Nesta Stuart as an elderly cottager made the most of hexpart and was specially admirable in the scene where she acts the virago; this was splendidly worked up. Miss Lili Sleep as the Gossip was taken into the favour of the audience immediately the curtains parted and by her extreme naturalness made one of the hits of the evening. The excerpts from II Trovatore, The Gipsy’s Song, Miss Freda Strange; the “Miserere” scene, Miss Eileen Leonai’do and Mr Cyril Walton, and the prison scene, (Home to Our Mountains) Miss Lila Robinson and Mr Hem-y Sleep, were loudly cheered by the audience, the performers taking enthusiastic recalls. Miss Vera Needham made a charming first appearance in “The Swallows,” and Miss Beatrice Wood received a well merited encore (The Rosary) for her restrained treatment of “Vale.” Mr W. Harris was cordially received for “Come to the Fair,” and encore “Admiral’s Story.” Mr A. Fiske gave a spirited and accurate rendering of “A Tinker’s Song,” while Miss Nesta Stuart was charming in the musical monologue “The Mill Wheel.” Messrs Herbert Heathcote and G. Stephenson gave a splendid rendering of “Wachterlied” (Grieg) for two pianos; Miss Cissie Sleep gave a dainty performance of Sinding’s “Rustle of Spring,” while Miss Katie Nash was warmly encored for Schumann’s “Kinderscenen.” Mr Alan Blackman was well suited in Gounod’s “Ave Maria,” accompanist Miss Joan Jennings, obligato by Mr Jennings. In addition to appearing in the Trovatore items, Miss Eileen Leonardo sang COwen’s “Birthday” very brightly. Miss Freda Strange gave an almost flawless rendering of “The Lass with the Delicate Air.” Miss Lila Robinson, who seems to grip the audience with the greatest of ease, was highly successful in “May Day Morn.” Mr Henry Sleep sang the difficult “Spirit Flower” with its wide range and consistent changes of key with real musical insight, while Mr Cyril Walton’s singing of “Sparkling Eyes” was up to the professional standard. Miss Joan Jennings again proved herself a firm favourite with the audience in “The Lesson with a Fan,” and “Mon Roi est Parti.” Two concerted vocal items were also received with enthusiastic applause, the performers being Misses Joan Black, Nancy Gibson, Cissie Sleep, Eileen Leonardo, Joan Jennings and Lila Robinson, and Messrs Hy. Sleep, Alan Blackman, Cyril Walton, Harold Strange, Arthur Fiske and Dave Allison. Dancing was indulged in till a late hour, supper being provided by the ladies. Sterling work was done by the local committee, which included among others Mesdames Black and Jackson and Messrs Bullen and Lewis. At the conclusion of the evening a

hearty vote of thanks and three rousing cheers were accorded Mr Jennings at the instance of Mr Bullen.