"MY SWEETHEART."
Manawatu Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 552, 16 November 1905, Page 2
About this newspaper
"MY SWEETHEART."
It is seldom that an amateur performance discloses so much talent dr affords so much satisfaction to the audience as "My Sweetheart" staged by the Palmerston Players last night, The piece was put on with great attentioh to detail, and the very best use was made of the elaborate and taßteful Bets wbioh Mr Thornton has recently completed and installed in the Opera House. Verve and variety was imparted to the performance by fbe interpolation of several musical numbers, and graceful and inspiriting dances. The evolution of the plot was watohed with groat keenness by the large audience, and liberal applause testified a generous appreciation of the efforts of the Players. The exacting part of Tony Faust was taken by Mr E. G. Hojaey and served to display his undoubted versatility both as actor and vocalist. He evinaed an exceptionally intelligent appreciation of ,he subtleties of the character of the Dutch boy who by a quaint admixture of simpleton and genius forms a most interesting stage study. Mr Honey's sweet and sympathetic tenor was heard to great advantage in several choral numbers. Miss D. Tait. in the name part, gave a clever interpretation of the wistful ways of whimaioal womanhood, but her performance was a little uneven and she has been seen to better advantage. Bbc sang with greater confidence than erstwhile, and her voioe has mellowed and strengthened wiih practice. The dude at the footlights, like the down at the circus, is always popular, and Mr H. Wood, as Dudley Harcourt, showed exceptional ability in this pourtrayal His topical songs were cleverly vocalised and encores followed in each case. Mr James Tatt, in the role of Dr. Oliver, was a credible exposition of the quiet, but «ifactive method. Mr V. Fitzherberl concealed his identity in that of .Farmer Hatzell very cleverly, and his turn for quaint comicality was much enjoyed. Mr N. Stevens imparted considerable spirit and not a little talent of the var'efcy order into the pourtr.ayal of Mrs Hatzell and soored in the laughter whioh ensued. As Mrs Fleeter?--^be adventuress, Mi'bs J. Cameron was not well suited. Her actjog lacked; characteristic finish,, being almost emotionless in passages where the display of the emotional faculty was most essential,- This was most noticeable ia her dallianoe with Tony Faust, and,the subsequent.expose in which she was statuesque instead of tragical. Minor sketches, Mary SGreen (a dairymaid) and Christie (a school girl) were creditably contributed, by Mira :■ X, Devine and J. Cocks respectively, the latter showing great talent as a vocalist. One of the principal features of the whole performance was the chorus work of the children who had been very carefully trained, and who entered into the spirit of the thing with infinite zest and whose dancing and singing gave very much pleasure The duel and chorus of Miss E. Gelhor and Master Carter proyoked the loudest outburst of applause of the evening. Tho latter has a wonderful voice for, so, small a child. Miss Birdie Foley, a singularly alert and graceful dancer, also scored a signal success on each appearanoe. The stage management, under Mr H. Muller, was quite up to professional standard.
