"THE QUAKER GIRL"

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 284, 1 December 1941, Page 2

"THE QUAKER GIRL"

LIGHT «OPERA CLUB _ FIRST-XIGHTERS DELIGHTED Memorable melodies, spectacle, spontaneous humour, graceful dancing—all this and more is provided by the Auckland Light Opera Club's presentation of "The Quaker Girl," which began a sevennight season at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday. Enjoyment was enthusiastically evinced by the opening audience. Principals are well cast and the chorus work is of an unusually high standard. In the opening scene in an English rural village picturesquely costumed country folk formed the chorus, and the entrance of the Quakers in their contrasting, neat attire was effective. Princess Mathilde's solo, "Oh, Time, Time," was charmingly rendered by Irene Gilling, whose cleai- voice later blended pleasantly with William McMtchael's in the duet, "Wonderful." The precipitous entrance of the American, Tony Chute, injects a refreshing vigour into the atmosphere. Young Berin Spiro's highspirited antics in this role greatly tickled the audience.

Phyllis Raudon's beautiful voice was admirably suited to the exacting requirements of the title role, and her solos, "A Quaker Girl," "Little Grey Bonnet" and "Tony From America," deservedly won favour. Similarly enjoyable were Pat Boyle's vivacious acting, dancing and singing in the role of Phoebe. Variety was furnished by the skilfully executed dance duo. "The Quaker and the Maid," by Margaret Scrimshaw and Iris Peterson, and later by the exhilarating champagne dance, in which Miss Scrimshaw's graceful suppleness evoked enthusiastic and prolonged acclamation. A member of the cast who raised many laughs was Peler Colvin in the part of Jeremiah. His voice carried well and he clowned his way through the three acts in hilarious fashion.

A striking change In the texture of the play was noticeable in the second act. In place of the rustic English village was the Paris fashion salon of Madame Blum (competently played by Mavis McCullough) and there was an equally eflfecJive change in the costumes. The frocking in this act was very pretty and, with the mannequins, the general effect was spectacular. As the immaculate Prince Carlo, Stewart Harvey made an impressive appearance to render 'n robust manS. J he , sUri ' ln K number, "Come to the Ball, a highpoint in the opera. Leon Victor was responsible for an amusing and energetic piece of acting as the Chief of Police, Paris. Other members of the company performed capably in minor parts. Set 111 the Pre Catalan, outside Paris, the third act was also very colourful, with hooped skirts and powdered periwics in evidence.

, A , par ' from the solos, the charming duets, The Good Girl and the Bad Boy" t Da J?Sr lne , Lesson" by Prudence and Tony, Mr. Jeremiah, Esquire," by Phoebe and Jeremiah and the delightful concerted number "Tip Toe" were well received. The orchestra, under the baton of Mi. Frank Poore. combined well and ™ ch to the P° lish of the producThe presentation reflects great on e , producer. Miss Daphne Poore 3 1 musical director, Mr.