“THE ARCADIANS.”

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 27 September 1927, Page 2

“THE ARCADIANS.”

CHARITY SEASON OPENED

EFFORT POORLY SUPPORTED

Seldom in Ha we r a and district lias an appeal for support to charitable causes tailed to produce a ready and generous response, but this happened last evening, vvtien little interest was shown m tlio opening pertormanoe at the Opera House of the charity season of the Upera,tie Society’s production •‘The Arcadians,” the attendance being so meagre that the financial result is not expected to greatly exceed the small costs entailed in staging the opera. The generous offer of the society to give two performances free of charge, with the object of raising the nucleus of a fund for the installation of radio receiving apparatus at the Hawera hospital has met with general approval, but last evening’s attendance ga\e little encouragement to those public-spirited citizens who volunteered their services at some inconvenience in support of such a worthy cause. The poor result can be attributed solely to lack of interest. The organisation of the performance on the part of the society was all that could be desired. After it had been decided to give a charity season, the president (Dr. J. McGliie) solicited the approval and received the support of the Hospital Hoard, members promising to bring the matter before their respective districts with a view to the support of tlio country residents (who, it might be mentioned will benefit equally with the townspeople in the event ol such as proposal being given effect to). Tickets were despatched to the various districts in the hospital area, but this expedient failed to swell to any extent the ranks of those who attended from the town and immediate vicinity. It is hoped, however, that this evening’s performance will meet with a better fate and that the efforts of the society will result in a fair sum being produced even though the original goal aimed at now seems impossible to achieve. Those who did attend were accorded another treat such as jvas so successfully given during the original season which closed just over a week ago. The performers displayed no signs of staleness and the show was bright throughout, the various membeis of the caste sustaining their tasks with distinct credit. The audience was quite enthusiastic and despite depleted numbers expressed its appreciation of the performance in general and its particular sections in no uncertain manner. The orchestra upon which rested a heavy burden acquitted itself well, the standard of the music being one of the features, while the solo and chorus numbers excelled those of some of the earlier performances. For the first time during the production Mr W. S. Gibson, who on account of illness was force•' to abandon his part, appeared in the role of Peter Doody and gave a creditable characterisation of the doleful jockey. His appearance was well in keeping with his part, while his dry delivery of the subtle humour of the role was excellently given. In view of the fact that he took up his duties after an unfortunate illness when the production had progressed so far his performance was particularly meritorious. One of the features of the performance was a. dance duo “The Nymph ancl the Faun,” given by the talented producer Mr Theodore T with his partner, Miss M. Meuli (’Wanganui). Delightful grace was exhibited by both in this number, which was greatly appreciated. The _ dancers were supported by the Arcadian Ballet. the ensemble effect giving an excellent finish to the effect of the entertainment.