WHANGAREI NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 304, 22 December 1903, Page 6

WHANGAREI NEWS.

With their usual enterprise, tile Whangarei Pluiarinoulc fcociel.7 opened "or a season of three uigiits, ou Ihursuay, with UUlxirt and Bulilvauß well" known opera, "tatieuce." There was a crowded iiouse tv greet the amateurs. The orchestra led by Mous. Wlllimoff, was especially engaged for the occasion, and composed of eijjiit iustruweutalists oi first clues order, tmd included Mr aud Mrs Sam Jackeou unu otUera of similar prominence. Tiio principal parts were allotted as follows:—Buutnome, air J. Mason; CoL Caiverly, Uoue Kuclx; Major Murgotroyd, C.H. tne Uuke of Duustable, i< , . O. Massuy; Arcioibala Grosveuor, Mr Wβ. Moody; Buiitborne'B SoUcitor, Mr U. Moody; Angela, Miss Alderton; Lad,v Sophia, Miss Driunuiond; Lady EUla, Miss Bereaford; Lady Jane, Mrs Bispham; Patience, Miss 11. Marshall; choruses of dragoons and maidens, ocher niembers of tne Society. The scenery has been effectively painted by Mr (i. Clark Walker. To comment on the acting of each Individual performer would occupy too much space. Suffice to Bay, each part was taken as apparently was conceived by each principal. Considerable fault, however, was found with the rather over done attitndes and mannerisms ou the part of some of the principals, a fault, however, that amateurs are very apt to fall Inter. Miss Marshall, as Patience, certainly made the most of ncr part, and her singing of the various solos, showed considerable training, and were very effectively rendered. Mrs Bispham, aa Lady Jane, took her part very cleverly, and with ready cinception. The lesser characters although as a rule, were well taken, In many cases showed a somewhat hazy idea of proper stage presence and want of conception as regards the part taken. It may be said that tile characters of the Major, Colonel, and Duke, were effectively carried out, and the Duke's solo was certainly one of the best of the evening; the same may be said of the solos of Ladies Angela and Ella, the latter, although short, was admittedly the gem of the evening. Making allowances, however, for the amateur netnre of the performers, it may be said that the whole of the performance was most creditably carried out, and the conductor. Mr J. R. Reybnrn, may feel well ■atlsfled with the results. The music of the orchestra was most effectively played. and gaye entire satisfaction.