OKATO KRAZY KOONS

Taranaki Daily News, 18 August 1933, Page 9

OKATO KRAZY KOONS

SUCCESSFUL DEBUT MADE.

The enthusiastic reception accorded them by the crowded audience when they made their debut in the Hempton Hall last night must have been some recompense to the Okato Krazy Koons for tire trouble they had taken in preparing their negro revue, “Moonshine and Moses’.’ The audience, from the maimer in which it showed its enjoyment, must have felt well repaid for attending. The success achieved demonstrated that Massa Johnson, Bones and Tambo of the old Nigger Minstrel Show have not lost their appeal. Presented as they were last night in a novel setting, especially as regards dressing and lighting, the effect was considerably enhanced; -The stage was transformed to represent the front of a negro cottage in the moonlight. From the opening chorus the quaintly-garbed band pleased the audience, and for over two hours they had the house bubbling with merriment as quips and sallies comprising many clever local “hits” were bandied by Massa Johnson and his corner men, or comic songs, were rendered, with droll whimsicality. - There, were also haunting negro melodies. Mr. Len Wadsworth carried out the part of Massa Johnson very ably, and Messrs. C. Hodge and E. Stewart as Bones and Messrs. W. Willis and C. ; Cocksedge as tambos were very pleasing. Though that quintette came more into the limelight, or rather moon-, light, every member of the company added his quota to the success, the choruses being particularly good. They included “Marching Through Georgia,” Campton Races,” “Old Black Joe,” Golden Slippers,” “Here We Are Again,” “Moses is Coming,” “Kentucky Home” and “Good-night.” Other items included “Laughing Song,” Mr. L. Wadsworth; “Sonny Boy,” Mr. P. Slater; “Natty Little Patch,” and “A Lady of Your Own,” Mr. W. Willis; “Early in the Mom,” Mr. E. Hoskin; “Sally,” Mr. E. Ashley; “Please,” Mr. K. Roebuck; “River Stay ’Way From My Door,” Mr. E. Stewart; “Lindy Loo,” Mr. E. McCabe; “My Dusky Bride,” Mr. R. Goodchap; “I Love Me,” Mr. C. Cocksedge; “Wedding Song,” Mr. G. Wallis; viola solo, “Back to Old Virginny,” Mr. C. Hodge; trio, “Massa’s in the Cold, Cold Ground,” Messrs. C. Hodge, P. Slater and G. Wallis; sketch, “Henhouse Door,” Messrs. C. Hodge and E. Stewart. Miss Peterson and Mr. Kipa Manu were accompanists.

The whole performance went with a swing that spoke of keen attention to practice. Subsequently supper was served and a pleasant two or three hours was spent in dancing. Messrs. K. Roebuck and G. Penwarden were masters of ceremony. Music was provided by Miss Peterson, Messrs. C. Hodge, C. Cocksedge and P. Slater. Extras were played by Mr. Kipa Manu.