THEATRE ROYAL.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7639, 3 February 1903, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

" SAN TOY."

On Saturday night " The Runaway Girl " was acclaimed by local theatregoers to have been the" finest production of musical comedy ever given in Palmerston, but the "performance of " San Toy" last night had s-oecial features Avhich placed it higher in the appreciation of the public than its predecessor. From the opening overture, rendered familiar locally by previous renderings at the hands "of the Orchestral Society, to the grand finale chorus, the piece Avas one galaxy of charming music and brilliant staging. What greatly delighted the audience Avas the altogether gorgeous maimer in a. Inch the play was produced. The surroundings of the opera-arc favourable and in fact specially selected ' for -spectacular display, but only aeapablc management such as the present one could take advantage of every opportunity to place before the public scenes in which rich costumes and charming stage effects play so successful a part. Unfortunately, the want of space behind the scenes prevented every striking effect being introduced in the "moonlight scene " whereby the moon, rising slowly to a lofty position, throAvs out beams which provide a unique illumination for the entire scene. The contrivance, Avhich is the work of Mr F. Graham, has been greatly praised in the large centres. The fulness of the choruses and the successful solo Avork were great features of the performance, but it Avould be hard to imagine " San Toy" without Mr F. Graham in his great character of " Li." Immense indeed Avas the amusement he caused and he had repeatedly to add extra verses to his vocal numbers. Miss Rose Musgrove made a charming San Toy, infusing considerable dramatic effect into the piece, and Miss Lilian Digges installed herself a great favourite by her sprightly acting. The combination throughout is a very strong one and each part was very cleverly sustained. A special word of praise is also due to the orchestra, which consisted of eleven instruments under the direction of MiGeorge Hall.