Amateur Theatricals at Patutahi.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 536, 25 November 1890, Page 3

Amateur Theatricals at Patutahi.

Ths forthcoming amateur theatrical performance at Patutabi is creating a large amount of interest, and it is anticipated that the attendance of townspeople will “ beat the record.” The entertainments provided at Patntahi are always popular, a reason for which can soon be given. Care is taken to select a piece that ie likely to suit the taste, and then it is entered into with a commendable spirit, so as to ensure that nothing shall be wanting on the part of the performers. A description of the pieces to be represented was given on Saturday, and on Saturday evening a representative of the Standard took a ride out to Patutahi and bad an oppertnnity of witnessing a rehearsal of “ Boots at the Swan,” and “ A Case for Bviction.” Judging by that there can be no room for doubt as to the success of the amateurs, and that the performance will be fully appreciated by those who attend it, Mr Mann, as Boots at the Swan, is one of the most comical characters we have yet seen among amateurs. It will be useless for the most solemn person to try and remain grave when they are in the presence of Boots. Mrs Sunderland, as Miss Cecelia Moonshine (the majestic poetical plagiarist), takes her part in a delightfully impressive way, that gives a feeling of admiration, as well as a keen sense of the ridiculous, when the “ inspired” one is calmly appropriating to her own use the poetical sentiments of other people. Miss Drummond, the lees romantic and more homely sister, also cleverly plays her part, which the is able to sustain without effort of any kind. Mies Falairet is a jolly Sally Smith, a servant girl who enjoys life as it is without distressing herself about the problems that distract people of a more philosophic turn of mind. Miss Palairet is good both in drama and comedy, and does nothing in a spiritless fashion. In the burglar scene her acting is especially good, and the audience will be inclined to envy the jam-loving Pippin, w ho can make so free with the domestic. Captain Briskly, the lively officer on half-pay, is well represented by Mr D. Bourke, who seems unite in his element when impersonating the frolicsome military officer, whose willingness to pn«h a friend’s cause gets him into an awkward position. Mr Gill more requires to put a great deal more life into " Henry Higgins,' in that lover’s agitated moments. A» the other parts are acted so well, any fveakncM in the caste is more noticeable, but by the time for the opening performance Henry Will do doubt have acquired the art of “ *°, r 5 in l Up the W* The stoical Boots would ruffle any good tempered man who had ♦<>*“ . W ‘ ‘ be lienee will be Itfirfeo with nothing short of a violent fit of exasperation in anyone who has got to put Shemff, as Pippin, did not have much to do, but be did that little well; he had a proper |dea of what was required of him, and acted pptott Witbppt jn any way attempting to overdo the thing, thereny acquitting himself With full credit without giving way to ttoneoemry intrusion. “ A Case for Eviotion ” is a Jolly little farce which i, free from jnythlng in the way of buffoonery, but it pauses roars of laughter, and becomes still more amusing as it proceeds. If the piece were described it might subtract from the Interest, for one of the features of the piece is that as the situation continues to get more comical one wonders whatever will be the Climax. Mrs Sunderland is capital in the part of Dora, the good lady who righteously objects to her husband's guests when they happen to be of a sort that want to have {pope privileges than the owners. As the perplexed husband (Frank) who is overcome b» the guest’s wit, Mr Grant plays up to his high reputation ; and Miss Drummond (as Mary, the servant whp " strikes ” against the persistent demands of the guest,) portrays per part with much clevernws. One can confidently predict that those who take advantage of the moonlight night, and drive or ridejout to Patutahi this evening, will thoroughly enjoy the performance, besides having a pleasant trip Out, and the satisfaction of knowing that they are doing good by encouraging local amateurs, who devote much time to working up entertainments for the benefit of local institutions. 4t any rate, whether or pot such knowledge Would be a satisfaction to them, the performance ean be guaranteed as one that must be enjoyed by every one who witnesses it. Mr Crawford is assisting the amateurs. The stage of the hall presents a very nice appear, wee, and the little building is a credit to the township. One of the scenes exhibited is a a prettyone of a landscape, painted by Mrs Bilbao,