RIP VAN WINKLE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1929, Page 3

RIP VAN WINKLE

SUCCESSFUL FINALE. The remarkably successful presentation of the three-act comic opera, Kip Van Winkle, produced by the Hokitika amateurs, under the capable direction of Mrs W. Staveley, was brought to a close last evening at the Princess 'Theatre when a benefit was tendered the Hokitika Fire Brigade. No iwithstanding the wet night which precluded the attendance of country patrons, there was a good house, and the financial result will be very acceptable to the Brigade funds. The opera went with a good swing throughout. There were three hours of intensive entertainment and from the rise of the. curtain to its final fall on a scene of great gaiety, the attentention of the audience was held throughout. The orchestra deserves special mention and last evening was excellent. The chorus was again a fine feature of the presentation. In singing, dancing, grouping, etc. there was little more to desire. The whole stage presentation was excellent. The principals all acquitted themselves well and were applauded loudly for their vocal efforts, while the humorous interludes provoked much laughter. Misses Duff, Wylie, Morgan, A. Mclntosh, N/ Coulson, H. Staveley, Cora Lynn, Joyce Andrews, Betty Brookes, Connie Staines, and last but most important of all, Mrs Perry, all did capitally in their respective parts. On the gentlemen’s side Mr Arnold Perry was outstanding—his vocal efforts are always a delight. Those supporting him were Messrs S. Brookes, B. Bulpin, J. Stopforth, C. Wright, and T. Gillooly, while Mr M. Coulson led in the humorous vein, and Mr Hugh Preston was a dashing officer. All the principals vied with each other in giving of their best, and the result was a very fine performance. Before the final curtain, Mr Evans, business manager, took the opportunity of referring to the success of Miss Mary Bald (a member of the company) at the Dunedin Competitions and in expressing congratulations said it would be very pelasing if Miss Bald on her return would give a song recital, when the company would unite in assisting to show their appreciation of the talented young lady’s success. Referring to the evening’s results, Mr Evans said the takings that night totalled £44 12s and the expenses were £9 10s, the principal item being royalty £7 /s. There would be a surplus of £35 5s to hand to the Brigade. At the request of Superintendent Mclntosh, M.r Evans returned thanks to Mrs Staveley and company and the audience for their support. v Mr Evans referred to the recent visit to Greymouth by the compan’'. He stated Mr Beban had forwarded an audited statement of the accounts. The

net receipts for the performance at the Opera House alter deducting the amusement tax were £B7 12s Gd, and after providing for the expenses of the production, including train transport, royalty, theatre rent, advertising, etc. there was a surplus of £29 8s 4d. Mr Beban had very kindly and certainly generously (after taking the risk of the whole trip) forwarded a cheque for the surplus and it has been left to Mr Evans to appropriate. On behalf of Mr Beban and with the compliments and thanks' of that gentlemen, Air Evans then presented the leading principals with coloured costume photographs of their characters, to Miss Gwen Jacobs (pianiste) morocco purse and cheque, and to Mrs Staveley (the sole producer) handbag and cheque. The presentations were made amid applause, and the references to Mrs Staveley’s splendid work and happy results were greeted with hearty approbation. .

The entertainment was then brought to a spectacular close, the gaily-dress-ed chorus throwing parti-coloured streamers into the audience and enveloping the orchestra. “ Auld Lang Syne ” was sung heartily, followed by the National Anthem, and a very memorable production and a record for local amateur presentations was then brought to a very happy ending.