"THE GRAFTERS."

Timaru Herald, Volume C, Issue 15304, 25 March 1914, Page 8

"THE GRAFTERS."

MUSICAL BURLESQUE. A EIOT OF MIRTH. To use an Americanism., which was frequently heard during the evening, "The Grafters," is "some" entertainment. Timarii audiences appreciate a really good musical burlesque; the advent of "William Anderson's American Company was looked forward to with keen interest, and when the curtain rose last evening, there was not a single vacant seat. The entertainment contains much that is fresh and amusing. The distinct Americanism is not sufficiently obtrusive to grow wearisome, and there is a quality of newness about the comedy that gives it piquancy. Melodies of popular order, taking choruses, pretty ballets, and a great deal of excellent dancing, go to make up a melange which, taking it all i-oimd, leaves an agreeable impression «f colour, sparkle and animation. As for the humour of the piece —the burlesque pure and simple it would at times "draw a smile from a graven image," and, .while in the second act it is unnecessarily drawn out and becomes a little wearisome, it has the recommendation of being throughout wholesome and free from vulgarity. The company had a very enthusiastic reception, and speedily disarmed any dispcsit.km._on the part of the audience to be critical. Musical burlesque . is not, of course, to be taken seriously, but everyone who went in the proper •spirit enjoyed manv a heartv and ofttimes irresistible laugh. There is a pi: i in. "The Grafters." but it mattered not very much what it was. The dramatis personae, it will suflice to say, are . mostly concerned in laving fraudulent "claim to the peaceful hamlet of Watts, a property left by a gentleman of that name who lias' disappeared. The complications that ensue in the endeavour of various partics to get the better of each other, provide .absurd situations in abundance, and the chief characters, extraordinary as they are, being well sustained, the progress of the piece is full of merriment; although as suggested it wants speeding-up towards the finish. Some of the introduced items were quite amongst the most pleasing features, moreover, of the entertainment "Mrs Grafter" (Miss Elaine Ravensberg) was most convincing, and sang several songs very pleasingly. She had a. most attractive and commanding stage presence. "Mazi«" (Miss Anna Clarke), a lady golf caddie, provided a good proportion of the evening's entertainment, and literally brought down the house with "Workin"- Girl " "Sacramento Ike" (Mr Bert La° Blanc) a Hebrew tramp "Lodi Mike" (Mr Paul Stanhoue), a Dutch tramp, nnd "Bakershield Pete" (Mr Dave Nawlin), a Hobo, were the' three urincinal figures in the burlesque and kept the houps in a continual'i-oar of laughter" "Rube Skaggs," the village policeman! was splendidly taken by Mr Harry Burgess. One of the musical hits of die evening was Mr Charseivs singing of <San Francisco 1315," with approt prune effects. Local colour was introduced into several of the scenes and the artists put forth their iokes in a highly entertaining manner." A. fir** class orchestra forms part of the company.