PALMERSTON NORTH OPERATIC SOCIETY

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6992, 19 August 1929, Page 7

PALMERSTON NORTH OPERATIC SOCIETY

A NEW DEPAETUEE. The produetiou of the comedy “Come out of the Kitchen” to-mor-row, Wednesday and Thursday marks an important milestone in the history of tho Palmerston North Operatic Society, this being the first occasion on which the society has presented any play other than comic opera or musical comedy. The society was formed some twentyfive years ago, and the old Lyceum theatre was the scene of its early productions, among which were “Gondoliers,” “Mikado,” “Utopia Limited’' and “The Pirates of Penzance.” Prominent members in the early history of the society were Mesdames Whalley and Loulsson, Miss Hogan and Messrs C. H. Warden, H. Palmer and Kitchen, and the enthusiasm of members enabled the conductor, Mr S. Orchard, to bring the society to a high standard. A period of recess followed, but in 1912 a meeting was called by Messrs H. Palmer and B. J. Jacobs, the result being that that year a most successful production of “Dorothy” took place, under the conductorship of Herr Berger with Mr H. Palmer as producer. The principals were Mrs Louisson, Miss Millar and Messrs C. T. Kobble and A Cooper. Then followed “Les Cloches do Corneville,” and “Paul Jones,” with Mr Maurice Cohen as conductor and Mr Tom Pollard as producer, and subsequent successful productions in “San Toy,” “Cingalee,” “Toreador,” “Our Miss Gibbs,” “Floradora,” “Country Girl,” “Miss Hook of Holland,” and “A Bunaway Girl.” In these operas the society has had the assistance of Mesdames Bussell and Hulme and Mr G. Bemington as producers, and Mr A. J. Graham as conductor. Eealising that amongst its members are manv who would make the successful production of drama or straight comedy assured, the society has now decided to include this class of work in its activities, and the comedy “Come out of the Kitchen,” is the first effort in this direction. It is hoped in future to have two such plays yearly in addition to the annual opera. This week’s attraction is such that it should attract large audiences. Tho theme provides a delightful vein of humour throughout, and the parts are all well taken by the ladies and gentlemen of the cast. The special scenery will add considerably to the freshness of the comedy. An orchestra of twelve instruments under Mr C. H. Greening will supply the overture and entr’actes. The box plan is at the Central booking office.