"H.M.S. PINAFORE"

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 250, 21 October 1944, Page 7

"H.M.S. PINAFORE"

COMBINED SERVICES' SHOW

Although launched over 66 years ago, H.M.S. Pinafore (Captain Corcoran) has stood the test of time well. This was amply demonstrated last evening by the success achieved by the recently formed Combined Services' Musical and Dramatic Society's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's famous nautical comic opera, given in the Seddon Memorial Technical College Hall, which was filled to capacity by a most enthusiastic audience. And there was good reason for their enthusiasm. They heard Gilbert's delightful absurdities and jocosities—many of them now household words —wedded to Sullivan's exquisite melodies and sung by a competent cast of principals, a well-trained chorus composed of Sir Joseph Porter's numerous "sisters and cousins and _ aunts"—all seemingly young and beautiful—and a virile crew of sailormen—not quite so beautiful—all singing- with immense gusto and verve. They saw a stage full of animation, with appropriate stage business combined with colourful costuming and lighting. Val Isbister made a dainty and graceful Josephine; Florence Hickson played a big part as Little Buttercup; Joan Harder looked charming as Hebe; Marjorie Sparrow made a smart Midshipmite, and danced neatly; Ray Opie's sweet tenor voice was well suited to the music allotted to Ralph Rackstraw. J. C. Reid, who took over the role at a few days notice skilfully put over the wit and satire in the part of Sir Joseph Porter; Cliff Firth was a satisfying- Captain Corcoran; the Dick Deadeye of Gil Cornwall .was a clever characterisation, and Bernard Watson ably todk the part of Bill Bobstay. An orchestra of IS instruments was more than adequate in the overture and accompaniments. The musical director, J. A. Blitz, and the producer, J. C. Reid, together with their associates, are to be congratulated upon what was universally acknowledged as a "really good show." The performance will be repeated this afternoon and to-night.