New Britain herald., 1917-12-08
MINSTREL BOYS IN
 HIT OF SEASON
More Than Three Solid Hours of
 Joy at Amateur Show

4Va1laDle spot of advantage in Fox'S theater, listened intently to what is conceded to be the most successful amateur theatrical performance ever given in this city last evening. The afra1r was arranged by the Soldiers and Sailors committee of the War Blu reau, and the manner in which the af- lair was conducted reflects much cred It on the men who assisted. While the program was of such length that it was after II o'clock when the final number, "The Gathering of the Allies" was staged, there did not appear to be any indications that the audience was tired Or restless, and when the mighty rounds of applause that followed the singing of The Star Spangled Ban ner," reverberated throughout the house and brought the performance to close 1t was the consensus that the event should take it's place among the successes that locan men and women have attained in the pas for theatrical undertakings.
 Early in November, 80 young men tn response to an appeal from the committee met at the Y. M. c. A. and signifled their willingness to aid in giving a performance for the soldiers and sailors. From the outset, interest was shown in their work and through out the many rehearsalS held, the in- terest showed no indication of waning. Joseph A. Haffey and John J. Cream, undertook the task of drilling the overture, and the manner in which they carried out their mission was shown last evening. When it is con- sidered that no attempt was made to secure any out-of-town talent to help, all the glory that is being showered on the participants today, is rightly deserved. MT. Haffey proved his worth in directing in many ways and too much credit cannot be given him for his untiring efforts. The musical program selected by John J. Crean proved still further that the popular young pianist is attaining increased ability as a musical genius. The olio which proved one of the big features was arranged by MT. Haffey, and in- cidentally he took part that brought down the house.
 There was a. fair-sized audience on hand yesterday afternoon for the mat inee performance. As is customary, a delay in arranging stage and other details made the performance late in starting, necessitating the omission of one of the acts The members worked we'll considering the fact that 1t was the first time they had appeared on the stage, but the experience gained fitted the performers for the night show. Filled with confidence, the boys went at their task with a vim at night l and, from the time the curtain as- 1 cended until the closing chorus, snap 1 was at all times in evidence. The audience showed it's appreciation of | c hand when the curtain first went up 1 The first-row entertainers were dressed in Colonial costume, with the remainder of the overture wearing evening dress. The bright red and green of the end men added to the impressive scene.
 At the opening of both perform ances, Mrs. M. T. Crean rendered "America" from one of the theater boxes accompanied on the organ by Professor Frederick F. Harmon. Mrs. Creams work was of the same excel lent character that has gained for her merit whenever or wherever she has sung.
 The work of the soloists was of stellar order-John Kiniry, Leon Jackson, Louie S. Jones, John Kilduff and August Klein rendering their se- lections in faultless manner. Each was given a generous hand at the close which brought encores. It is doubtful if any finer quintet of solo ists has ever taken part in an amateur minstrel overture in this city. The end men should not be overlooked for their work. Up-to-the-minute jokes and popular songs featured their work-Horace La Valley. Jack Riley. Herbie Johnson, Bert Holden, Harry Ginsburg and Eddie Dyer proving that the old saying about end men not be- tng able to warble is a fallacy. La Valley. with his dancing contribu- ton to Mother. Dixie and You" was forced to respond to four encores.
 The olio opened with a buck and wing dancing number by Johnson and Holden. These boys have appeared on many occasions at entertainments in this city. but last nights work added extensively to their laurels as dancers. John J. Crean, Harry Ginsburg, Sur man Dyson, Francis Clynes and Leon Gordon appeared in "The Five Piano phiends' and scored a success. Louie s. Jones assisted in the number and the turn went very big. Inadequate scenic effects prevented the staging of Way Down South" featuring Laval ley and his Picks but in it's place was substituted a banjo quintet. with Arthur Peterson, Arthur Anderson
 MT. Horton. Jack Martin and Charles Merwin; accompanied by John J v Crean. La Valley did "line act,
 singing and dancing, and was excep-
 tionally good.
 Then came the star attraction o1 the olio-Joe Haffey and Johnny
 Crean in "15 Minutes of Sociability.'
 To say that "Joe" was right at home
 would be placing 1t mildly. He hac
 three song numbers which, judging
 from the manner in which he han.
 died them, would create the impres
 sion that the writer arranged then