Cashmere High School Presents Four Plays

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31349, 20 April 1967, Page 16

Cashmere High School Presents Four Plays

The casts of four one-act plays presented by the Cashmere High School in an evening of comedy showed an almost uniformly high standard. The first play, “Queer Street,” by John Kelly, was performed by some of the school’s more junior members. There was a miniature burglar and his tiny wife, daughter and accomplice, an even more miniature policeman and another policeman, the former policeman’s double. This Tom Thumb cast was provided with an enormous set in which to work and the contrast between the two added greatly to the audience’s enjoyment. Wayne Densem, as Bill Hart, had plenty of bounce and a good strong voice. Garnet Nimmo, as Albert, did some rather pleasing mime. “The Crimson Coconut,” by lan Hay, was a delightful little play. The production by Mr K. D. Gatward was shapely and stylish and the cast threw themselves into, their parts with enthusiasm, except for lan Stewart who played the part of the waiter —he did not have to throw himself into his part, he was the part. This was the most polished and lively performance of the evening. His comic timing, his movement and vocal clarity were a delight. The set was a little more interesting than in th* pre-

vious play and the costumes were pleasing. “Sunday Costs Five Pesos” is a Mexican love story about a lovers’ tiff, a cat fight and a lovers’ reunion. The players seemed a little more conscious of the technicalities of voice production than previous casts. This made for easier listening but more restricted playing. Bill Claridge, as Fidel, was the most credible member of the cast. Janet Stables, as Berta, had plenty of confidence and voice but perhaps not quite enough imagination. Jennifer Kearns, as Celestina, gave an intelligent interpretation of the role but would have projected better had she used her diaphragm. “One Marries the Property” is a French farce by Yves Cabrol. There were plenty of opportunities for some interesting comic “business” here and the producer, Mr D. R. J. Baird, took advantage of some of them. The cast was the weakest and also the least audible of the evening but the play 'is Interesting and amusing and partially carried Itself. Erik Versteeg, Brian Drury, Helen Walls and the producer all had some good moments during the play. The four plays will be presented again in the Assembly Hall at Cashmere High School tonight. —J.M.F.