‘Naughty Marietta’

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32967, 13 July 1972, Page 14

‘Naughty Marietta’

“Naughty Marietta” by Victor Herbert began an elevennight season at the Repertory Theatre, Christchurch, presented by the St Joseph’s Light Operatic Society in association with the Papanui Working Men’s Club, produced by Michael Wildermoth and conducted by Thomas Brown.

All proceeds from this production are in aid of the Marylands Home for retarded boys, controlled by the

Brothers of St John of God. The worthiness of such a venture as this helps to soften the inadequacies of the slowmoving production. The spontaneity and spirit behind the light-hearted and fastmoving story was not always realised in this presentation, although the more experienced members of the cast managed to keep the action alive and save it from slowing down to a halt.

The easy and fluent style of Kevin Knowles (who played the comic character, Silas), was well-suited to the show, while other leading players, Ainsley Black (Marietta), Peter Van Tulder (Etienne Grandet) and Harold Maher (Captain Dick Warrington) gave commendable characterisations.

Although first-night nerves beset many members of the cast, some of the secondary characters showed an appreciation of their parts, especially Bernadette Doolan (Lizette), Mike Hammersley (Rudolfo), and Margaret Daly (Adah). Considerable time must have been spent on sets and costumes (were those wigs made of foam rubber?) and the design of the stage gave ample room for the chorus. Unfortunately the chorus tended to become too set and static, detracting from the unfolding of the story. The standard of singing was surprisingly high. The solo as well as chorus ensembles was well-balanced and, at most times, secure. The singers sang with a confidence which was sadly lacking in the orchestral accompaniment The orchestra sounded inadequately rehearsed for the kind of support they were required to give. —J.M.J..