Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-03-04
Blackface Performers
Please ait Knights
of Columbus Ministries.

CanabaS Council, knlgntS OF Co.
/. lumbus added another to their many
/ hits in Minstrely at the Gardiner
High school auditorium last even
ing in a show that was filled with
mirth, clever Jokes and exceptional
good voices. The boys departed this
year from their usual custom of a
/ mixed minstrel and put on real old
fashioned southern minstrel with
both ends and chorus in blackface.
The scenic effects were good with a
Garden Scene for a background
with brilliant chair covers and these
blended with the full dress suits or
the Circle with white vests and ties
made a very pretty stage setting.
The end mems costumes were dress
suits with red lapels. brilliant red
-. vests and black and white trousers.
The whole show went over with
pep and snap that is not usually
. seen in home talent shows of this
kind and to pick out any individual
stars would be an injustice to all
as the talent was all extra good and
evenly balanced. Dave Kelley. dir
ected the production from the front
and done an exceptional clever job
with the stick and much credit is
due him for the fine work display
ed by the ends and chorus. Arthur
Burns played the part of the middle
man to perfection, getting off the
numerous jokes in excellent manner
and adding much to the smooth way
that the cast came across with their
songs and jokes. His announcing
was very distinct.
The Minstrel opened UP in Car
den Scene with all black face and
the entire company singing the
opening chorus which consisted or
my Old Kentucky Home" and end
ing on a jazz number. the name of
which was I'm Coin Back to My
Nanny" and all during the singing
of the opening chorus the entire
chorus was on the move and during
the last number they executed very
pretty dance number.
George Desmond was the first
number on the program and he sang
II Want Them Wild. Warm. and
Willing" and the many funny eX-
pressions and dance steps that
George put with the piece as we'll
as the way he put it across, was a
scream and he received many. de-
served encoreS.
The next number on the program.
pal of My Dreams" by William
Gingrow was a very pretty ballad
and with his fine tenor voice Mr..
Gingrow made q hit and was called
back q number Of times. '"Taint No
body's Business But My Own" was
rendered by Steve Monaghan in his
usual fashion assisted by the chorus.
and he clearly demonstrated that 1t
sure was "Nobody's Business But
His own" 1t was good number.
At this point Mr.. Arthur Burns sang
I'm Failing In Love With, Some
one" in his rich baritone voice
made a deep impression on the aud
fence.
Jack Logan, a new face to Gardi-
ner theatre -goers, gave Hop. Skip
and Jump" and made a decided hit
with his many moves and contortions
was very funny and altogether 1t
was a good laugh. Little Pal of
Long Ago" was rendered in good
style by Simon Baitler, who has a
very pleasing voice and a good stage
presence. John Sullican as usual in
his ballad entitled Smiling Through
Tears" pleased the audience and was
obliged to repeat several times. Mr..
Sullivan has an extra fine tenor voice
with a large range and it is always a
treat to hear him sing. The old re-
liable Maurice King gave demon
stration and also a song entitled
"She Wouldn't Do What l Asked Her
To" and as usual Maurice made a
big hit. The finale. THAT Old Gang
of Nine" was very pretty number
and closed the Minstrel first part in