WELL-STAGED COMEDY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 305, 23 November 1945, Page 7

WELL-STAGED COMEDY

“LIFE WITH FATHER.’.' Tho. Palmerston North Littlo Theatre Society has completed the first decade of its activities. Its objects are “to broaden the base of drama interest and the mechanics of production and, above all, to bring out the latent talent of previously untried performers.” That the 60cietjj has succeeded in its efforts was indicated by the high standard of its work in the three-act comedy, “Life With Father,” which opened its season at) the Opera House last night. This American story of the ’eighties is built around the fact that while the mother is a keen supporter of the Episcopal Church and the sacrament of Baptism, ihe father has not been baptised and is hostile to his wifo’s efforts to bring him to accept the doctrine. This and other differences, especially over domestic accounts, give rise to much , disturbance in the family life,- as shown by the fact that during the play no-fewer than four maids are engaged in succession, three leaving the service because of the fear which the stormings of the father caused them, '

As tho wife, Vinnie_ Mrs H. Whitehead added another success to her list. She acted the part with fine judgment and ability and delivered her lines with good expression, while her deportment was correct throughout. Mrs M. French as Cora, cousin of Vinnie, gave a studied characterisation of the part of a visitor to the home, one who was not keenly welcomed by tho father. Cora’s friend, Mary, also a visitor, was played by Miss L. Procter, with whom one of the sons, Clarence, fell in love. Miss Procter introduced into her acting suitable coyness, but was nevertheless quietly persistent and succeeded in her aim. An excellent performance of the part of the family cook, Margaret, was given by Miss M. O’Connoi, who did not worry over the outbursts of the head of the house. Each of the four maids—Mrs K. Nichols (Annie), Miss J: Varcoe (Delia), Miss W. Cox (Nora), and Miss B. Jon<¥ (Maggie)—gave a good performance. though their scope naturally was restricted. As tho father, Mr J. Lorrigan was full of animation—an occasional charming manner being subservient to his fiery and explosive nature. His acting was uniformly good and ho was responsible for many of the humorous situations. He presented the domineering personality with zest. Mr D. Bennett, ns the eldest spii, Clarence, showed considerable timidity in his part when faced by his father, and he sustained his character well, his pleasant voice being used effectively. Mr I. 11. Stewart took tho part of the "second son, John, and in a scene in which the brothers decide to accept positions as salesmen of a dog medicine acted especially well. Tho third son, Whitney, played by Barry Powell, and tho fourth son, Harlan (Colin Tucker), wero presented nicely by those youthful players, the former’s recital of parts of the Catechism indicating elocutionary ability. Mr 11. K. McKay, as Rev. Dr. Lloyd, had the difficult task of trying to persuade the father to be baptised and also to contribute to the fund, for a new church. He spoke his lines quietly and maintained the decorum of his office. Mr J. Hunter took the part of Dr. Humphreys, whose services were required when the mother was taken seriously ill, and he had to seek the assistance of Mr F.. Aisher, as Dr. Somers. Both had but brief appearances on the stage. . The frocking and stage setting were excellent and the whole performance indj. oated very careful rehearsal and preparation under the capable and experienced direction of Mr A. Kingston, to whom tho society is indebted for a meritorious pro duction, which frequently caused much amusement among the audience. Those who assisted -the producer %ero :. Miss F. C. McDonald, assistant producer and prompt ; Mr C. R. Gair, stage maaiiger; Mrs G. Lusk and assistants, wardrobe; Miss (?. Kneebone and • assistants,t properties; Mr G. Bagnall and assistants, make-up. The Little Theatre Orchestra, under the direction of Mrs C. R. Gair);. played the iqtervah music artistically, its’"''.fitipibers being“ Carnival” (Suppe),' selections from “Maid of the MoißiltnnsF (Fraser-Simp-son) and melodies from “Pagliacci” -(Leoncavallo). The orchestra was loudly applauded for its performance. “Life With Father” will be played again tonight and tomorrow night.