LOCAL DRAMA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 258, 14 October 1932, Page 14

LOCAL DRAMA

THEATRICAL ACTIVITIES (By “Prompt.”) Each week this space will he devoted to a review of theatrical activities of interest to the people of Hawke’s Bay district. “Prompt” will be glad to receive notes of interest. The Hawke’s Bay Little Theatre Society has chosen Noel Coward's sparkling comedy "Hay Fever” for its next production. A very fine cast has been selected, and is m active rehearsal. The society expects to present the play early in December, and every effort is being made to make the production a memorable one. The initial rehearsal in connection with the proposed production of “Our Miss Gjbbs” was held on Tuesday evening last. There was an excellent attendance and the indications are that the move will prove a popular one. It is some time since the last operatic production in Hastings and therefore the available talent is a more or less unknown quantity. The promoters of the opera are taking the wise precaution of not selecting principals until they are better able to gauge the acuity of the performers. The producer for the opera is Mr Harold Ward, whose work is now fairly well known In the district. The musical director is Mr Charles Aves. Mr Aves, who is a newcomer to the district, should prove quite an acquisition to Hastings His whole life has been devoted to music, and during an eventful career has been associated with many worldfamous organisations. Until quite recently he was in tho employ of Messrs J C. Williamson and toured New Zealand with the recent Gilbert and Sullivan Company. The Grand Opera Company will commence its Hastings season on Wednesday, October 26, when “Madame Butterfly” will be presented. On Thursday afternoon “Rigoletto” will be played, and on Thursday evening, “Carmen.” In order to give the public an opportunity of expressing its preference, the management held a plebiscite throughout the district and the operas were selected in accordance with the voting. The Drama League movement is achieving considerable popularity throughout New Zealand and several districts are proposing to hold drama festivals similar to the festival pioneered by the Hawke’s Bay Drama League.