VOCAL AND DRAMATIC

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 2390, 30 October 1924, Page 5

VOCAL AND DRAMATIC

MR. CADE'S RECITAI*. A FINE PERFORMANCE. Mr Alfred Cade is to be heartily congratulated on the very fine high-class entertainment presented at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening last, on the occasion of his second annual recital. Unfortunately, the attendance was rather disappointing, but those present were liberal in their applause and showed keen appreciation of tho many delightful numbers presented. A most artistic performer himself in everything he attempts, Mr Cade evidently spared neither time nor trouble in presenting on Tuesday night a programme of musical and dramatic items that reflected the highest credit on his efforts. This gentleman has proved a most successful tutor, both in singing and elocution, and many of his students have made really wonderful progress. The staging, costuming and general presentation of the various items also showed the guiding hand of an artist, and had a most pleasing effect. The programme opened with a brilliantly executed pianoforte solo, "Etude" (Chopin), by Miss Ryta Cafe, L.T.C.L., this being followed by a children's play, "The Witch's Arbour," the participants being Nancy, Grace and Betty Martin, and Desmond Lewis. The children spoke their lines admirably, and the little play was prcttily staged. Mr Alfred Cade gave a magnificent interpretation of that intensely dramatic aria, " Vedro Montr' io Sospiro_Tjo Nozze di Figaro," (Mozart). His fine baritone voice was heard to great advantage, while Mr Cade admirably succeeded in depicting tho spirit of the song. It was a Teally grand effort, keenly appreciated by all present. Miss Joan Hastings gave a bright little character sketch, "Dorothy Entertains the Minister." "From Oberon in Fairy Land," was sung as a duet by Messrs Cyril Wood and Harry Armstrong, two very promising young Cambridge vocalists, who have responded splendidly to Mr Cade's tuition . Mr. H. A. Bradley recited "The Clown" in eostnme, Miss L. Thompson, always a popular performer, sang "Arise, O Sun," and Mr Robert Kiddoy gave a fine temperamental character sketch from "David Copperiield," "Daniel Peggotty going in search of Little Emily?" in this Mr Kiddoy made good use of his deep voice, and gave altogether a splendid performance, only marred by slightlv faulty enunciation at times. Two songs, "Jean," by Mr Cyril Wood, and "Snowdrops," by Miss Penn, were pleasingly rendered. Mr Maurice Wilkinson's musical monologue, "'Temptations, "was an ambitious effort, carried through excellently, with good dramatic effect, A humorous turn was supplied, in the "Sergeant and Policemen's Chorus," from "Pirates of Penzance," a very bright item, nicely carried out, and loudly encored by the audience. Mr Rob. Kiddoy sang the solo part. Misses Kathleen Grindrod and Doris Care showed signs of most careful training in elocution in their humorous sketch, "When I'm Grown Up," and were also graceful and easy in their deportment, One of the gems of the evening was Mrs. V. H. Nolan's song, "Home, Dear, Home," that lady's lovely contralto voice being heard to full advantage, "Charm," a monologue in eharsictcr, by Mr L. Holobon, was a cleverly executed piece of humor,while Mr E. Carter's singing of "Banjo Song" was well received. The quarrel scen*e between Brutus and Cassius, from "Julius Ceasar," gave excellent opportunity for Mr Alfred Cade and Mr Maurice Wilkinson to show their elocutionary powers. This was given in costume, with good dramatic force. Miss Amy Noon sang "The Joy Bird" finding much favour with her audience, while the pathetic character recital of "The Death of Little Joe," (Dickens), bv Master William Adams was a most meritorious performance. "Pleading" was sung with good taste by Mr Harry Armstrong, who has a voice of much more than average quality. Undoubtedly one of the outstanding items of the evening was the monologue "Orange Blossoms." in character, by Mr Alfred Cade. This is a very beautiful, and difficult, piece, that received delightful and artistic treatment by the artist. The excellent costuming and staging also added materially to the effect of this fine effort, for which Mr Cade received quite an ovation. Messrs E. Carter and J. Lang gave a good interpretation of the humorous duet, "Gendarms" in character, and the programme closed with a humorous sketch, entitled "Henry Tried to Tell His Wife," by Miss Amy Noon and Mr Maurice Wilkinson, both of whom did very well, this making a fitting finale to a capital program in*?. Owing fo the great length of the programme, encores were disallowed. Misses Ryta Care and F. Jolly presided at the piano for tho accompaniments. Mr Cade has received numerous congratulations on the suceess of his recital, which was certainly a splendid advertisement for the good work beingdone bv that gentleman.