"THE ARCADIANS”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10729, 29 October 1928, Page 3

"THE ARCADIANS”

ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES AT OPERA HOUSE. TRIBUTES TO MESSRS. CARDSTON AND BAXTER. A Tory successful season of six nights of “The Arcadians” came to a conclusion at the Opera House on Saturday evening, when the theatre was again crowded. From the rise of the curtain to its fall, the musical comedy went with a swing throughout, and the various vocal •numbers wore repeatedly applauded. After the final act- of the play the curtain was raised on a stage of massed performers. and lloral tributes and sweets were handed up in profusion to the various members of the company. At the conclusion of the presentations the president (Mr J. S. AVauchop) in response* to continued calls for “The Producers,” appeared on the stage with Messrs Owen Cardston and J. Davidson-Baxter, introducing them to the audience as “two of the finest men we have ever worked with.’’ (Applause.) Mr A. J. N’icol, stage manager, endorsed these sentiments and expressed the thanks of the whole of the staff for the invaluable assistance given by Messrs Cardston and Baxter, and asked them to accept a ••round robin” signed by every member of the company.

Mr tV. Hamilton Irvine then rend the following letter which bore 58 signatures:

Dear Sirs,—On this the last night of “The Arcadian” season in G.sborno Opera House we desire to Lake the opportunity of expressing our earnest appreciation of yum unfailing courtesy aiid patience during the rehearsal period of the above musical comedv.

The production has been proclaimed a huge artistic success by the general public, and those best able to judge, and if we, individually and collectively, have contributed to that • success, we have to thank you whole-heartedly for it. Your outstanding producing ability (both of you) has been evident from the word “go” and it has been a privilege, to have, worked under you both. \\ n would ask each of von to accept the accompanying gifts, and wo trust they will serve to remind you of the pleasure you have given "all of us in attempting to follow voiir able instructions.

Wo further trust that this will not bo the last occasion on which your producing knowledge will be required in Gisborne.

Mr Cardston; in reply, expressed appreciation on behali ot Mv Baxter and himself for the honor done them, •more particularly by the “round robin.” It had been a privilege to work with such men and girls as, he had met in Gisborne. Both Mr Baxter and himself had wanted for many rears, to conic 'to Gisborne. They had heard of the hospitality extended jtp visitors' to this town, but 'the result' had ran exceeded all their expectations. , All the performers had worked with a will, and had given of their host. Ho did not like to particularise, but there were two whom he must single out—Mr and Mrs Mainland Foster.—(Prolonged applause.) “The Arcadians” had been a success largely through tho work of Mr Fo stor. He could say without tear of contradiction that no opera u Gisborne would be an opera without Mr Foster. Mr and Mrs Foster had made “Tho Arcadians.” The producers had merely helped to make it. Mr Cardston also paid a tribute to the work of the company generally, especially of the secretary, Mr C. G. Bnvliss. whose assistance had boon invaluable. The National Anthem sung by the massed performers brought a memorable evening to a close. Behind the scenes later, the enthusiasm was repeated, an'd Messrs Cardston and Baxter were showered with compliments. Mr Wauchop addressed those present expressing the thanks of tho committee to all the performers. Ho drew special attention to the chorus, which undoubtedly had been the out-, standing feature of the play. In response to cries of “Speech 1 Sneech!” Mr Cardston again expressed the deep-felt appreciation of Mr Baxter and himself at their treatment in Gisborne and the hospitality accorded them. The prinen pals were good, exceptionally good, an’d as to the chorus, they had never worked with a better chorus anv’where He- thanked .Mr Foster and, Mr, ]<Yis + -cr, "Iso the' orchestra, tho stage staff, Mr A. J. Nicol and the honorary scene shifters. All had “played" the game”, and lie was, indeed", proud to be associated with such nil amateur operatic company. \ s for the hospitality extended, their "friends were too numerous to mention individually, and he desired to thank'them all.—(Applause.) Before concluding tile proceedings Mr Wauchop said he must not forget to mention their wardrobe mistresses Misses Jill and Vnlda Zachanah. The dresses of the principals were the work of Miss V. Zachanah, and had created quite a very favorab o impression, for he had personally, been asked who had been responsible for them. . , ... The proceedings concluded witn the assemblage singing “Auld Lang Syne.” .