“THE TOREADOR”

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 September 1923, Page 2

“THE TOREADOR”

PRODUCTION FOR GREYMOUTH.

Since the death of Mr Tom -Pollard, the Greymouth amateurs have had little opportunity to show their capabilities in the theatrical line. The success which attended the Pollaid productions ol “The Gondoliers, “The Geisha,” “A Country Girl, and others are still fresh in the memories of Greymouth theatre-goers, and these bright entertainments, which also provided valuable training for amateurs, have been, missed since Mr Pollard died.’ This state of affairs is fortunately not to coiitinue, and the coming Christmas holiday season will again see the pick of the local talent (which Mr Pollard declared could not be surpassed south of the Line) again treading the boards at the Opera House, with every prospect of registering equal success.

Messrs A. Beban and E. R. Moss, West Coast manager and director respectively for New Zealand Picture Supplies, have arranged with Mr Len McGlashan to produce “The Toreador.” The ability of Mr McGlashan on the stage is well known, and he made good in previous productions, notably as Wun Hi in “Ihe Geisha and Barry in “A Country Girl.” As a producer Mr McGlashan is not generally known, but the expert opinion of the late Mr Tom Pollard is sufficient credential to satisfy anyone. When Mr Pollard’s illness prevented him from actively supervising the Greymouth production, he wrote to Mr McGlashan, and the letter forms a splendid tribute to his ability, Mr Pollard stating that he had every confidence in appointing Mr McGlashan as his deputy to take full control, and was sure that he could carry on successfully. So far as “The Toreador” is concerned, Mr McGlashan has the advantage of having received six days’ tuition from the late Mr Pollard. There is also no doubt as to the ability of the musical director, Mr Fred Restieaux, who took charge of the Pollard productions, and contributed not. a little to their success. There should be nothing wanting in this (department, and the beautiful score of “The Toreador” will receive artistic treatment under his control. The full costumes and scenery used by the Wellington Operatic Society in its recent production are being procured for the Greymouth season, and the dancing will be attended to by a competent instructor. The cast, with the exception of a few minor parts yet to be allotted, has been selected by Air McGlashan as follows: —Cora, Aliss F. Fraser; Nancy, Mrs Shepherd; Donna Teresa, Miss N. Hopkins; Dora, Aliss K. Hann)in; Airs Hoppings, Airs C. M6ss; Susan, Aliss Aladge AVilson .(Christchurcli)'; Gus, Air T. O’Hallahan; Pettifer, Air K. Skoglund; Srchie, Air AV. McGrath; Rinaldo, Air AV. McCarthy; Governor, Air I. Nelsoq); Bandmaster, Air R. Nash; Moreno, Air AV. B. Cunningham ; Caraiola, Air D. Douglas; Sammy., Air L. McGlashan. A full chorus will also be selected.