SPARKLING COMEDY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 226, 23 August 1945, Page 7

SPARKLING COMEDY

REPERTORY SUCCESS. Tho Mnnawatu Repertory Society added another notabio success to its long list when it presented Esther McCracken’s sparkling comedy, “Quiet Wedding,” for the first time at the Opera House last night. Dallas Chaytor and Janet Royd have planned a quiet celebration of their marriage, but Janet's fussy mother and conventional father, plus tfie excitable madamo who has the responsibility of having the bride’s dress made perfectly, along, with other members of the family and relations. are disturbing influences and the happiness of the bride-to-be is for a time in jeopardy. Taking the advice of Aunt Mary, the couple quietly escape from the family home and spond the night before the wedding at the flat in which they are to live after their marriage. Unfortunately their early morning return is delayed through a mishap to the car in which they were travelling and they arrive only minutes before they are due at the church. The father is shocked at the breach of the convention that bride and bridegroom should not see each other on the day of -the wedding until they . meet at the church, and Aunt Mary is also very angry, but soon 'recovers her placidity. They manage, however, to keep the mother in ignor-,-mice of the position and all ends happily after many amusing situations. The play was well staged, and went with a good swing, while the frocking and lighting loft nothing to be desired. As the bndo, Janet Royd, Mrs J. Kenning had a part which called for welljudged acting and ability to_ express her feelings, her sorrows and joys. She was very successful, and in the scene in the flat her acting was of a high order. Mrs C. Craven was Mildred Royd (mother of the family) and she acted and spoke as one would expect of an excited and nervy mother. Miss B. Driver was at her ease as Mary Jarrow (the aunt) and was able to introduce an air of calm assurance in instances when the atmosphere appeared likely to become supercharged with the conflicting emotions. Her performance was much appreciated. Mrs A. Wiren, who was chosen for the character Flower Lisle, an unusual and unconventional woman, displayed her high acting ability as she broke down the opposition of those who could not at first understand her. The ease with which Mrs Wiren played the difficult part and her charm of manner stamped her as an actress of much ability. Aliss J. Judd, who played the part of Aiareia Brent (nco Royd) displayed a charming speaking voice and acted the role tastefully. Well sustained in _ action and speech was the character of Bella, the maid, which was presented cleverly by Miss N. Marshall, who contributed considerably to liu- humour of the play Miss M. Murphy (another aunt) made the most of the character, Florence Bute, and with Aliss J. I-lassa'.l, as Miranda Bute, added to the merriment by their good work. The French dressmaker, Madame Alirellc, was played by Miss B. Farraher, whose presentation was in keeping with the traditions of such a character. Outstanding in the men’s section was Mr G. Driver, who infused into his characterisation of Dallas Chaytor (the bridegroom) the intensity of a young man who had to win his way through unexpected difficulties. If is performance was excellent throughout and was well up to the standard which he has maintained in the past. Mr T. AI. Rodgers, as Arthur Royd, the placid father distressed by the excitements and disturbances occasioned by the wedding of his daughter, showed much ability and presented the part with attractive) naturalness. Air J. Hunt, who was chosen to play Denfs Royd (the best man) was unable to resist \he fascinating Flower Lisle and in association with her was responsible for adding to the interest of the play. John Royd was a part that did not make heavy demands on Air AI. AfcKearney, who played it with keenness. Air L. Craven, who appears towards the end of the play, had no difficulty in giving a satisfactory presentation of Jim Brent (husband of Aiareia). Tho cost throughout was well balanced and to all the members is given credit for tho success of tho comedy.

Afiss AI. Alortland, whose wide experience is invaluable to tho society, was the producer, and evidence of her excellent work was to bo seen in tho smoothness of the performance throughout. Those responsible for tho play wore: Stage set and scenery, Messrs F. A. Cousins, C. C. Briggs, J. V. Curtis, B. Gahitos, J. I). Kitchen, K. Nicholson, Alesdamos AI. Thompson and Pearson, Alisscs J. Morrison, Z. Rabono and B. Driver; furnishings, Mrs J. Gandell and Aliss K. N. Woodhousc; wardrobe, Misses M. Mortland and K. N. Woodhousc; properties, Alisses J. Pringle and A. Alajor; hairdressing, Alisscs N. Braddell and F. Graham; prompt. ATiss B. Francis; house management. Air R. O. Haddon, Airs A. Gibson and members. A well-tuned orchestra under the concluctorship of Mr F. AlcLcocl provided bright music during the intervals. Tho comedy, which will bo presented again tonight, tomorrow, and on Saturd V, was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience, there being frequent outbursts of laughter and applauso.