“THE ARCADIANS.”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10726, 25 October 1928, Page 7

“THE ARCADIANS.”

. CONTINUE) SUCCESS •AT --

OPERA HOUSE.

The third performance of. “Tho Arcadians” staged by the Gisborne:.'-, Amateur Operatic Society attracted * a full house last, night and was. once ; more acclaimed a wonderful {success. The work of the whole ccmpany-Mrom the principals to the . chorus was delightful, the play running its .course - with remarkable smoothness, 'the ' whole forming a fascinating, .ensemble. * ",

The cast is well chosen, the- heavy work of the opera is capably carried by the principals, and the chorus work is a revelation. Charming and vivacious Miss M. Corson filled the part of Eileen .Cayanagh with conspicuous ability. She was not called . upon ; bear too much of the Vocal work, but she rendered her numbers “Bring Me a Rose,” and “The Girl with the Brogue” with rare charm. Her duets with Air AV. Bignell, “Charming "Weather” . and “Half-Past Two” were-, delightfully blended and quite., captivated the audience.

The role of Sombra, a missionary from Arcadia, was most capably filled by Mrs J. Dwyer., Possessing a delightfully modulated voice, she carried out the major portion of the vocal solo work with conspicuous ability, her renderings of “The Pipes of Pan,” and “Aready is Ever Young” "being warmly received. Perhaps her best number was the beautiful rendering of “Come Back to Aready” which was greeted with prolonged applause. Miss G. Fanning filled trie part of Chrysaea, Sombra’s sister in the mission of the reform of England, .with much charm. Her beautiful soprano voice was heard to much advantage in her solo “I Like London.” AlLss Enid Hooper’s portrayal of tho gushing Mrs Smith was artistic and refreshing m its humor. She showed considerable skill and judgment in the delivery of her spoken lines. ... -

The male lead, of Jack Afeadows, was splendidly filled by Air W. Bignell. He was in splendid voice,, and scored decisively in his solos “Fickle Fortune” and “The Only Girl Alive,” and also harmonised weR with Aliss C'ofson m the duets. Irresistible humor permeates the play and was presented in excellent .style. The major portion of the lighter work fell upon Air Zachariah as Simpiicitas, and he convulsed the house with mirth in inimitable style. His solo, “Sweet Siiriplicitas” provoked roars of laughter as did also ‘All Down Piccadilly.” New to the; footlights as an amateur comedian, Mr. T. Aloffatt scored ah instantaneous success as Peter Doody, a jockey. He delighted the house with ins solo “My Alotter,” which was greeted with roars of laughter, and was accorded prolonged applause. A4r \Y. Hamilton Irvme gave a fine portrayal of “Father Time,” and his aam her “I Quite Forgot Arcadia, was very popular. The role of Bobby, a friend of Jack Meadows, was well filled by Air. J. Turbitt, who scored a great hit- with “Back Your Fancy”* AIrA.J. Nieol played the part of Sir Geo. Paddock, a turf patron with much parts of other Arcadians were capably taken by Miss L. Trowel!, “AmarJJis”; Air H. Johns, - “Strephon”; Air. J. Holmes, “Damoetas”; Miss A. Sherriff, “Daphne”; and Air. A. C. Coleman. “Astrophel”; Miss A. Edwards, “Hei’ald of Dawn." . In the minor parts the performers ill acquitted themselves creditably. Miss Joy Shaw “Pan,” Mrs. Bree Lady Barclay,” Air. Athol “Percy Alarsh.:” Mr G. Hart- “Harry Desmond,” AlLss AI. Craig- ‘“Lucy Selwyn,” Air. S. Barnard “Reggie,” Miss' U. Nolan “Marion,” Miss --T; Hill “Beatriea,” Aliss K.‘ Ellis “Dryope”. Aluch of the success of the play depends, of course, on its music, and this portion in the hands of Mr. Alainland Foster, was, as usual, of a high standard. “The Arcadians” will be staged again this evening.