"THE ARCADIANS."

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19332, 9 June 1928, Page 7

"THE ARCADIANS."

CHRISTCHURCH OPERATIC SOCIETY. Possibly tho best known of the older light operas 'is' Lionel Moncfeton's three-act play, ''The Arcadians." All the older theatregoing folk of Christchurch mtißt have seen it at least once, probably sever.nl times, and loved it more each time they saw it; but as it.has not been performed in this Oity for some years, the first introduction which many of the younger people will have "The Arcadians" will be the presentation of it by the Ohristchurch Operatic Society. On Saturday, June 16th, the first matinee of "The Arcadians" will be given' by the Society, and the season will extend for seven nights. Booking, which it is expected will be heavy, will open at The Bristol at 9 a.m. on Wednesday next. Those who have enjoyed Peter Dopdy, Simplicitas .Smith, and the other delightful characters need'have no fear that the parts will be mishandled, for the production is in the capable hands of Mrs L. J. Hulme. The allotment of the parts was the subject of careful consideration, so that there is no possibility of miscasting. Tho main characters, who have been chosen from the brighest talent of Ohristchurch,' will be adequately supported by a chjorus of 40.<sele'oted;voi(jes,,. The time and trouble spent ia the rehearsal of this part of the programme are a guarantee that nothing will be lacking in. the chorus work. The frocking—particularly important in any production such as "The Arcadians" — has been well looked after, and promises to, be as good as, or better than that of any other amateur production seen in Ohristchurch, while the scenery, too, has not been forgotten. It is hardly necessary to comment on the quality and variety of the music, or the wit 'of the libretto. It is enough to say that no one who sees this excellent production of a very good opera will be disappointed.