MARIST BROTHERS’ SCHOOL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21532, 20 December 1939, Page 8

MARIST BROTHERS’ SCHOOL

Annual Revue Fine Entertainment Entertainment of a standard seldom attained by primary school pupils was presented to a capacity house at St. Patrick’s Hall last night on the occasion of the Marlst Brothers’ School annual revue. Entitled "Borrowed Plumes” the revue was the medium of songs and choruses, playettes, humorous sketches, dances and mass numbers, some of which could well be described as spectacular. The presentation was enhanced by appropriate scenic effects, coloured lighting and elaborate costuming. The accompaniments were provided by a full orchestra under Mr J. G. Young. The first scene, depicting the courtyard of an inn, opened with rollicking White Horse Inn choruses by the company, followed by a humorous military sketch and a dainty minuet by diminutive dancers in colourful period costumes. A pleasingly acted duo song number, “The Girl in the Alice Blue Gown," was followed by a smart tap dance, a sketch featuring a lullaby solo and an action song solo “Leader of the Town Brass Band.” The most appreciated item of the first part was a flag march in which 16 boys, marching to the martial music of the orchestra, executed complicated manoeuvres with smart precision. The brightness of the cloaked uniforms, the flags held aloft and the judicious use of coloured lighting combined to such effect that the audience demanded an encore. With a reputation which has been gained in many appearances, the boys’ choir, under the Rev. Brother Marcellin, was given e great ovation. They sang "March of the Cameron Men.” in unison. "Ireland's Anthem" and a hymn to Britain in parts. "Rose Softly Blooming" was given as a solo by G. Hosking. Favourite songs and choruses from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” were beard in an elaborately produced sketch based on Walt Disney’s famous picture. In solemn procession before their house in the wood, the seven dwarfs, with their picks over their shoulders, sang their “Heigho" chorus and the audience was amused at seeing the amiable Dopey well in character. In a sweet soprano voice heard in earlier numbers, Snow White sang "I'm Wishing,” and “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” while the lilting "Whistle While You Work” was heard from the chorus off stage.

The final episode, “Commonweath Phantasy,” was me mast elaborately conceived and spectacular scene of the evening. The curtain opened on a darkened stage with a subdued light picking out the bowed figure of Brittania. Shadowed in the background were passing silhouettes of aeroplanes and other engines of war. Then Brlttania stands erect and summons her fellow members of the British Commonwealth, me heralds disperse and under the banners of Canada. Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, lead the Dominion cohorts on to the stage, marching to the appropriate national anthems. The chorus then sang “God Defend New Zealand,” while a verse of Bracken’s "Not Understood” was heard from the background. "Land of Hope and Glory” was played by the orchestra, and as a transparent Union Jack was lowered in front of the stage, the chorus sang “Rule Brittania,” in which the audience joined. Hardly less impressive was the final item in which the choir sang "Silent Night” from a twilight gloom, while a bright spotlight threw into relief a beautiful tableau of the Nativity.

At an interval in the programme, the Rev. Brother Marcellin, the head Brother, thanked the parents for their support of the school during the year and said that the year had been successful both in school work and in sporting activities. He also thanked the Rev. Father Smyth, Parish Priest, for his assistance to the Brothers in their work, and expressed his appreciation to Mr F. Burton, the writer and producer of the revue, and to all who had contributed to the success of the night's entertainment.