“DANTE AND BEATRICE.”

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 644, 1 March 1923, Page 6

“DANTE AND BEATRICE.”

PERFORMANCE AT OPERA HOUSE.

“Dante and Beatrice/’ as presented at .the Opera House last night by the pupils of Mr A. Stanley Warwick, was a most delightful performance. Throughout the 12 .scenes and tableaux the theme of Dante’s poetical adoration of Beatrice was effectively and pleasingly presented, and the performance may be expected to create a keener appreciation amongst local theatregoers of the more classical variety of entertainment.' A feature of the presentation was the costuming, which was in keeping with the stately age in the history of Florence when and where was laid the scene of the play. A colourful feature was the incidental music by Mr and Madame Do Mauny,. while the lighting effects were of a meritorious order. As Dante, Miss Gwendolyn Piper had the most exacting role, which she handled, in a manner indicative of her possession of high dramatic art. The great and reverent love of the poet for Beatrice, whom he hardly dared to approach lest her contact with worldly affairs should make her the less exalted, was strikingly and consistently portrayed. Most happily cast was Miss Violet Wilson as Beatrice, her lines being spoken distinctly and with an effect which would rank high in most amateur performances. The role of the Angel of Love, who is the moans of guiding the loVe messages of the stern and studious Dante to Beatrice, could not have been more happily allocated —Miss Ulu-Hancock filled it with grace and charm. Miss Lilian Tealo as Primavera, one of the vivacious maidens who freely discuss the question of Dant&’s love, and trusts it is ftor her, was indeed pleasing. The role of Casella, who at the behest of Love sings Dante’s song to Beatrice, was splendidly interpreted by Miss Doris Ricketts, whose rendition of “Caro Mio Ben” (Giordani), W£3 of a pleasing order. As Tessa, Miss Faerie Osborne showed that she possessed a high degree of elocutionary ability. Also happily cast were Misses Dulcie Osborne (Guido), Daisie Osborne (Giovanna) and Lydia Matthews (Nella). The attendants were: Misses Lilian Paulsen, Dorothy Wallace, Ella le Grange, Rita Osmond, Ruth Young, Joan Cummins, Gladys Snell, Nell Jackson, Eileen Piper, Queenie Rogerson, D. Unico Budden. A violinist of note in Mr Leon De Mauny, who has recently arrived from Europe, delighted the audience with his artistic work in the violin solo, “flejre Kati” (Hubay), and responded a recall with tlie well-known ■ “Souvenir” (Drdla). With Madame De Mauny he contributed the whole of the incidental music, which comprised “Children’s Intermezzo,” ‘Hie Willow, Song” and “Othello” (Coleridge Taylor), grand march “Pomp and Circumstance” (Elgar) and “Romance ” (German). A young elocutionist, Eric Martin, who contributed in pleasing manner “Butterflies” (A. S. Warwick) was excellently receivbd. At the conclusion of the performance the leading members of the cast wore the recipients of numerous floral tributes. Mr A. S. Warwick, the producer, to whom much credit is due for the success of the presentation, expressed his thanks to the audience and performers, and in particular to Mr and Madame Do Mauny for their kindness in assisting. The All Saints’ Sunday School piano fund, in aid of which the performance was held, is expected to bcoiefit to a substantial extent.