Successful Production By School Group

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31981, 7 May 1969, Page 18

Successful Production By School Group

“It’s a Small War.” (A musical in two acts). Music by David Blake, lyrics by F. S. Tysh. Presented by Mairehau High School music department. May 5,6, and 7, in the school assembly hall at 7.45 p.m. “It’s a Small War” is a slight but amusing story about the mixed fortunes of a group of war-time evacuees and the village to which they are evacuated. It’s all rather improbable and better fun because of this. As a musical it has merits: some catchy songs with easy lyrics. It could not be labelled highbrow, but it should appeal to the student performers all the more for this, and it does offer singing and acting opportunities for a large cast. Keeping in mind that this is a production by the music department and not by a drama club, it is easy to overlook the inadequacies of the acting. The singing is what counts and some of it is very good. Barbara Lee, Susan Hocken and Graham Campbell have strong, wellproduced voices coupled with clear enunciation—an attribute unfortunately lacking at times in other soloists and the chorus.

The accompaniment for “It’s a Small War” was provided by two pianists, Kay Harrison and Beth Hair, who tackled this arduous task with verve and enthusiasm. The musical director, Mr Thomas Brown, has achieved another successful production of a new musical, well-suited to the ages and abilities of

'his cast and providing good entertainment for last evening’s large audience.—P.S.