AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1921, Page 1

AMUSEMENTS.

“THE GMSHA.”

On to-morrow (Wednesday) and Thursday evenings, Mr Tom Pollard will present the Greymouth Amateur Opera Society in “ The Geisha.” Pecord business has-been the rule in Greymouth last week. Criticising the production, a contemporary says:— The performance of the evergreen Musical Comedy, “The Geisha” by the 'Greymouth amateurs was presented last evening to a crowded house, and was an instant success. Surprise has been expressed on all sides at the degree of artistic merit attained not only by the principals but also by the chorus, and one was prepared to applaud a much less ambitions effort than was presented last night. The production was under the guiding hand of Tom Pollard, the veteran producer who said he never had any qualms as to the high degree of proficiency possible with those who associated themselves with him and, as ho naively said he would give Grey- j mouth a surprise, so lie was as good as his word. The whole opera went with a fine swing from the rise to the fall of the curtain. The scenic arrangement was appropriate and pretty, the dresses gorgeous, the lighting effects perfect, the choruses and ensembles crisp and tuneful, while the work of the orchestra under the conductorship of Mr 11. Hawkins was of the first water. Incidentally, the Geisha is one of Mr Tom Pollard’s favourite operas and one which ho produced as far back as 1901 with his then talented Company which numbered in its ranks such well-known figures as Florrie Perry, Maud and May llcatty Gertie Campion, W. Paul and IV. S. Percy. Undoubtedly the Japanesel setting of the opera, with its galaxy " of colouring, its antithesis to western custom and fashions, as well as the story unfolded through the two acts gives it a distinctive charm of its own. Seats for the two nights can be reserved at Misses Macintosh confectioners. Prices are set at, Press Circle and Stalls bs; Stalls 3; back seats 2s, plus tax.