“GLANASHEEN"

Grey River Argus, 18 March 1941, Page 3

“GLANASHEEN "

Opening Performance BRILLIANT GREYMOUTH SUCCESS. Those who were privileged to see the performance of the w.tty Irish ' musical comedy “Glanasheen” hi Greymouth some years ago, had a the delightful memories of that occasion recalled to them last even.ng. when l he production of Cecil Clarke’s comedy was revived bel.ore one of the largest attendances the Greymouth Town Hall has known m years. It has become customary to say that local productions are enjoyable successes, but if this be true in all instances, it is no exaggeration to c'ass last night's performance as one of real merit. To bring before the public the old Irish melodies, with a combination of comedy, proved to be a novel way of honouring St. Patrick’s Day in Greymouth, and the audience last night was not slow to .show its warm appreciation of the fare offered On the producer of “Glanasheen, Mr Bill Connor, the heavy task o’ preparing the show has been most creditably performed, and h's seduction of the cast was in every respect a good one, the whole production going over as one unit, with only one brief interval in three hours. The first act, a street scene in the i seaport town of Knahone, served to re-introduce to the public some well- . known and popular local artists. I whilst, il provided an opporlunity lor some newcomers to (the concept stage to make a successful debut. In tire second net, on board a luxury yacht visiting Ireland, romance was seen to blossom between the millionaire owner, Philip Seymour, played by Mr Stan Prescott, and Eileen Doran (Miss Joan Walker). Three quicklv changing scenes comprised the third act, in which the most spectacular part was the wedding scene which brought the production to a conclusion. Side by side with the romance of Philip Seymour and Eileen Doran was another rom:("ice with many touches of real comedy, the opposite . numbers being Mat Molloy (a county councillor), played by Mr Jack Mclnroe, and Mrs Doran (the village widow) in which latter characterisation Mrs W. Connor scored one of the successes of the evening. The leading comedy role was taken by Mr Bill Connor as Tom Doi an, ably assisted by Mat Malloy, and Peter Kerrigan iMr Paddy Eianchfield). Each of these performers was heard in Irish numbers. probably th e outstanding song being Mrs Connor’s rendition of "A Little Bit of Heaven,” for which an encore was demanded. Minor parts were taken by Miss Daphne Aldridge as Molly Molloy, Miss Gladys i Foster as Pauline. Everett, a passenger on the yacht, and Mr Ron Dolan as Dawson, the chief steward i of the yacht. The plot throughout was weil presented, each sc_?ie following upon th c other in a manner that was easy to follow. The humour, in distinct contrast to that put before audiences at some amateur shows ’on occasions, was delightfully clean and entirely free from vulgar expressions. The tracking was splendid, both in the clriruses and in the dancing numbers. Mr Prescott was in fine voice for his numbers, of which “Macushla” and “My Wild Irish Rose were the most attractive. In addition, as host to the party -on the yacht in the second act, he had a considerable task, and acquitted himself in good style. “Ireland, I Love You” and “Eyes of Irish Blue” provided Miss Walker with two delightful opportunities, and both songs were warmly appreciated, this young lady indicating that she has a promising vocal future. Mr Mclnioe s first num.V “Where the River Shannon Flows” was followed later in the evening by “Did Your Movuei Come From Ireland?” a song which he popularised locally some years ago. Mr Blanchfield was heard in two numbers, “Off to Philadelphia and “With My Shille’eagh Under My Arm,” whilst Miss Gladys Saunders, who played the part of Mrs Birkett (wife of the captain of the yacht, ably played by Mr Bill Ryan) was in good voice for the singing of her solo, “Mignon’.’ An outstanding vocal number was “Oh, Promise Me” sung by Mr Ray Walls, whilst the quartette (Misses Saunders and Walker, and Messrs Prescott and J Gilbert, who rendered “Eileen Alannah” at the close of Axct 2, provided the best musical item of the evening. .. Mrs Connor’s rendition _ of “Ave Maria” prior to the wedding scene, was one of the most effective items of the evening, as was the choral number “Kyrie” at the same time, both having organ accompaniments. , Choruses by the children oi Hie Marist and Convent Schools • introduced trip programme, and were provided during the interval.. Outstanding in tr.is respect was the sing.ng of" “Westland” by St. Mary’s School Choir, with Miss M. Keating as accompanist, and the items by the Marist Boys’ Choir “The Minstro Boy” and “The Soldiers’ Songby" St. Patrick’s School, revealed a high staaciard. The Convent School Orchestra ol 14 violins and 2 vio as, with two pianos provided the opening selection of Irish airs. The dancing numbers were arranged bv Miss Monica Sinnott. tfi« opening ballet for the third act. in which Miss M. Bayley was Up vocal soloist of “Laughing Irish Eyes” being one of the gems of the evening. An operatic dance bv Leo',' Hickling provided a. fine interlude' in the scene ion the yacht. . The adult chorus work was excellent, those taking part .being Messrs B. Dargan, N. Thoipe, W. Corrigan and R. Walls, Misses P. and E. McGrath, R. Ward and M Bav'cy. The accompanists. Misses h. Peterson. L.T.C.L., M. Cawley, A.T.C.L., and M Carroll, A.T.C.L., discharged their heavy task with great cred.t, whilst the orchestra added a greadeal to the sucqess of the dering an outstanding item in ‘tileiil. Night” in the final act . The orchestra was led by Miss Petersen anc. comprised: Misses I. C’.avton, LT.C.I, (violin), R, Peillon, A.T.C.L. (violin), R McNeish, A.T.C.L. (violinL D \Vlhis, AT CL. (violin), C. Phillips (violin). L Foster (’cello); Messrs Ed. Davis (saxophone). J. Rothwell (corner), A. Todd (drums). j The sceneiy was of the best stand- | arc! yet seen in similar shows jn Greymouth, the' work of My Jim > Rhodes brigntening up the otherwise I du'l stage of the'Town Hall, whilst | Mr R. Henry had charge of the lighting, and Mr p. Garner was stage manager, assisted by Messrs M., Hanrahan, J. F. Freehan

and W. Rathbun. Bouquets .were supplied by Miss Gwen Robinson, and the furniture wias i'.oaned by Harley and Co., all of whom were thanked for their assistance by Mr A. M. Carroll, joint secretary. Speaking before the last act, Mr Carroll also expressed the committee’s thanks to the performers, the orchestra, and to those who had given their support. The 1 Greymouth Highland Pipe Band rendered selections prior to the performance. "Glanasheen” will be repeated to-ni°-ht at the Town Hall. Reservations may be made at Ki'.gour’s, and intending patrons should book eaily.