"A COUNTRY GIRL."

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXII, Issue 2670, 22 December 1928, Page 5

"A COUNTRY GIRL."

OTOROHANGA OPERATIC SOCIETY A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE. The Otorohanga Operatic Society presented "A Country Girl" in the People's Picture Palace, Te Kuiti, on Thursday evening. The proximity'of the Yuletide season doubtlessly militated againßt a larger attendance, but nevertheless there as a fair audience. The show was a success in every way, and when one considers that the personnel and talent of "A Country Girl" was drawn from so small a town as Otorohanga. every credit is due to those responsible for the production of the piece. Thursday night's effort was a credit to any small town amateur company. Faults there were, but ho further comment in this direction is necessary other than to remark that the players are amateurs; a fact for which the local public is always sufficiently generous to make allowance.

From the opening chorus to the finale, the show went with a swing. The two principal ladies, Mrs A. Bell as Nan, and Mrs Garrett as Marjorie Joy, did very well in their respective roles. • Messrs P. Wade, C. W. Harte, W. H. Miller, as Geoffrey Challoner, the Rajah of Bhong, and Sir Joseph Verity respectively, also were well cast. The role of Lord Anchester, usually played by Mr W. A. T. Underwood, had to be filled owing to an emergency at the last minute, by a substitute in the person of Mr D. Anderson. Miss Betty Maththews and Mrs Stagge as Madame Sophie and Nurse Frew respectively, also did well. Without a doubt the star performer of the piece was Mr Clifford Howarth as Barry, who appeared in the dual roles—in naval uniform and an fjemale impersonation. In the former he was the spirit of the ensembles in which he appeared, and lent dash and verve to the whole show. In the latter role in the second act he had the audience in fits with his antics and patter, his song "Me and Mrs Brown," being a gem. His work here touched the almost professional fringe, but the audience did not get the best from him on account of a hoarseness. !A feature Ai the show were the solo dances by Miss Mavis Zellman, whose work came up to professional standard. Tins young lady has a remarkable aptitude for her Avork, being at the same time quick and graceful, in her movements as occasion requires. She was_popularly received and was accorded rounds of applause for each of her efforts, especially her Eastern dance in Act 11. With the exception of Miss Zellman. the entire cast is comprised of local (Otorohanga) talent, the latter, however, hailing originally from Otorohanga, but now being situ-, ated at Hamilton. Much will doubtless be heard of this young lady in connection with stage work. With respect to individual' vocal work. Mrs Garrett (Marjorie) was heartily received in "Coo," one of the main solos of the piece, also "Otherc Acting" and with Geoffrey in "When we were Boy and Girl." Mrs A. Bell as Nan was excellent in "Try Again, Johnny," "Come to Devonshire" being also well received in her action parts in which she gave a creditable account of herself.

Mr C. AY. Harte, as the Rajah of Bhong, was heard to advantage in the piece of that name, which was rendered with some forte. Mr -Harte also sang "It will Come All Right," and "Peace! Peace!" The duet "Two Chicles," by Barry and Sophie, was popularly received. Barry, who had a part calling for great versatility, sang "Yo ho, Little Girls," with the chorus, which was a lively number in the first act, while "Me and Mrs Brown" in the second act proved the most humorous inclusion of the piece, and provoked the merriment of the audience to bursting point. "When I was a Girl" was also one of Barry's numbers. Sophie and Barry rendered the duet "Quarrelling" creditably. The principal song of the Princess was "Under the Deodar," while Mr C. Whittington (Granfer Mummery) was well received with "Young Jan, He Were a Barrister." Miss Betty Matthews (Sophie) was accorded a hearty round of aplause for "My Part tiers," handling'her part with considerable skill. Miss Marjorie Briggs, who fortunately is not able to take any speaking part owing to an impediment, has perhaps the best singing voice in the company, and gave a fine rendition of "I Can Laugh, I Can Love." The sextette "Take Your Pretty Partner" was a snappy number, while the yeoman chorus as an opening to the second act was one of the bright spots.

A word in praise must be said for the mounting of the piece and also the frockings and costumes. Deserving of a large share of credit for the success of the show is the orchestra, which was under the capable conductorship of Mr E. J. T. Moeller. The Otorohanga Operatic Society is indebted to Mr A. E. Manning, proprietor of the Waikato Times, in connection with the production of "A Country Girl" in its early stages, and also to' Mr W. H. Blyth, of Hamilton, who assisted Mr Manning in the above connection. Mrs Bell also did a lot of valuable work in connection with the training of the chorus, while Mr Patterson also rendered assistful service as stage manager before Mr Manning took charge. A big task devolved upon the conductor, Mi' Moeller J _.who arranged the music for the piece, and this he has done with credit to himself, as has been expressed by those under his baton.