AMUSEMENTS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12259, 6 July 1909, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE FROLICS."

The wretched weather last evening interfered with the attendance of the public at the opening entertainment given by "The Frolics." This is to be regretted, as the performance, save for an incident of wliich more anon, was deserving of substantial patronage. "The Frolics'' is the nob inappropriate title of a. company of bright and clever artists, who give a very pleasing musical entertainment reminiscent of the Merrymakers. The curtain rose last evening on a "circle of pierrots and pierrettes, who, inharmonious song, introduced themselves in the orthodox style. Ilns opening chorus showed that the members of the company possess good voicesy -'which blend very pleasingly. As the programme proceeded the good opinions formed at the opening were confirmed, each of the items being encorea. Solos, part songs, and musical-" monologues followed one another in quick succession, the artists doing capitally, especially in view of the depressing tact that the audience was not large. The concerted pieces included "Isn't it Wonderful?" (introducing some ■ clever topical hits), "The Baby on the Shore," "pushed Him Through theAYindow," "Mister Golliwog," "The Owls and the Mice," and others. These were all sung melodiously, and the comedy element was well done. Mr Selwyn Reeves showed himself to be possessed of a good voice by his singing of "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes," and Mr Courtney Ford did likewise by singing " Th» Anvil's Song." Miss Ida Vet-ex the soubrette, sang very daintily "The Dear Old Gate," the other members accompanying with voice and action. MiEdward Headlam gave a number of musical monologues, showing himself to be a really clever artist. The first part of the programmej which consisted of the-' items Aye have mentioned, went capitally, and won the hearty appreciation of the audience.' The second part was opened by the company singing "Bye and Bye.", "This was a'burlesque on the •- Salvation Army, and should have been omitted. A hypnotic seance followed, but the audience refused to take it seriously; It is to be regretted that the.management included this item, which has no cleVerness to recommend it, and consists only of fooling; It is - also to be regretted that the occupants . of the pit included a number of hoodlums who, not satisfied with allowing their disapproval of the. hypnotic turn (and1 in this they had -perhaps some justification) continued to make themselves so , objectionable that the company was not given a fair chance for the rest ot'■ the evening. Even when Miss Vaughan, a lady with a fine soprano; voice, came forward to sing "Love the Pedlar" the hogs in the pit continued tb squal in a disgusting manner, Jt: is to be regretted that the constable Jon : duty'did not arrive a little earlier, as some of the disturbers of the peace .should hove been brought to account.- The prcgnvtnmc- concluded with. " Limericks," Rung by the company, who miiu_e ..Hmerioks Jiu_tlie~iy l ;une of any town suggested by the audii>{v?".\.

TO-MGHT. Tli'i reason Mill close this evening. when a, change oi programing is promised. So long as the company adhere to the musical part of their entertainment the audience may be assured of spending a pleasant time, as the company is a really clever little musical organisation.