“The Best People”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7268, 22 September 1933, Page 12

“The Best People”

SPARKLING COMEDY AT THE OPERA HOUSE THREE NIGHTS 1 SEASON OPENED The Palmerston North Operatic and Dramatic Society has in its presentation of “The Best People’ 1 added to its long list of successes, -which the citizens of Palmerston North have from experience learned to look forward to with pleasure. > Last ovening there was a most appreciative audience at the Opera House, despite wretched weather conditions, to witness the first performance for this season, and with a talented group of players this sparkling comedy was '• admirably produced. The play is the result of a concerted effort on the part of David Grey and Avery Ilopwood, and was first produced at. the Lyric Theatre, London, in 1926. It is in three acts, with five scenes, and portrays the working of the class system in England society life. The plot is one much used by modern dramatists, but its sparkling humour and reparteo keep it from banality. It concerns the efforts of the “best people’’ to conserve the future of their family and to maintain the traditions of the established order, but their schemes go awry. The reactions of the parents toward the mesalliances of their modern family; the son with a chorus girl and the daughter with a chauffeur, provide some extremely good situations, and the play gives scope for clever characterisations and dialogue. The contention of ‘ ‘Mrs Lennox” that classes cannot intermarry with success provides the theme for the moral of the play, but in typically modern fashion no solution is offered, and the story marches on to happy endings. The cast in the order of appearance was as follows:—Mrs Lennox (Miss Scott); Edward Lennox (Mr E. Spraggon); Marion Lennox (Miss Edna Boon); Bullock, the butler (Mr 0. Driver); Lord Eockmere (Mr G. Simmonds); Henry Masters, the chauffeur (Mr B. Eising); Miss Tate (Miss TJlu Hancock); George Grafton (Mr T. M. N. Rodgers); maid (Miss Babette Rodgers); Bertie Lennox (Mr J. Ellison); waiter (Mr Flavell); Millie Montgomery (Mrs Potter); Alice O’Neill (Miss Mavis Mortland). Miss Scott has previously given many delightful characterisations, and continues her intelligent work as "Mrs Lennox, 1 ’ the highly-strung, hysterical English aristocrat. She carried the strain of a difficult part with the ease of good acting. Misa Edna Boon made her appearance in a new role, and as the daughter Marion, the pleasuresatiated young society woman, was most convincing, her attractive personality shining through the pari. Miss Ulu Hancock ha? only a small part as “Miss Tate,” the prim, private secretary, but threw herself into the .character with the true artistry which is expected of her. Mrs Potter gave a scintillating portrayal of the soubrette, “Millie Montgomery”—in her outstanding performance providing gaj entertainment. She has the ideal stage presence and with her experienced knowledge of stagecraft carried tae comedy of the play right through. In the part of the sweet ingenue, “Alice O’Neill,” Miss Mavis Mortland is ideally suited, arid gave a particularly charming and convincing interpretation. Mr E. G. Spraggon was the dignified “Edward Lennox” throughout, and gave a finished characterisation, rising to great heights in the final scene. Mr T. M. N. Rodgers scored another success as the rather pompous and snobbish “Undo George,” and made the most of the effective moments given him by the authors. Mr Geof Simmonds has been entrusted with a more difficult character role as “Lord Eockmere, 1 ’ and his interpretation justifies the confidence placed in him. All the romantic sympathies of the audience were with Henry. Masters, “the chauffeur, 1 ’ of whom Mr Bert Eising made the virile Canadian the authors intended. It was an effective portrayal by a recognised craftsman. Mr J. Ellison was sound in the part of “Bertie Lennox,” and did remarkably well in a difficult role. Miss Ba.bettc Rodgers as the maid, Mr G. Driver as “Bullock,” the butler, and Mr Flavell as the waiter, fitted their parts most convincingly. No detail was overlooked in. the presentation, which was a tribute to the work of the producer, Mr Fred Cousins. The groupings were most artistic from -the point of view of the colouring and of the balance of positions on the stage. Exits and entrances were throughout the comedy kept at a good dramatic pitch, and all curtains sustained the climax of the moment, which is good production. The staging was good, although the draw-ing-room scene gave one the impression of being somewhat overcrowded. The dressing was also most effective and artistic, Mrs H. Palmer filling the position of wardrobe mistress in her capable manner. An added attraction was the incidental music played by the society’s orchestra uuder the leadership of Mrs R. Law, with Mrs Clift at the piano. The play will be staged again this evening and finally to-morrow night. Patrons are assured of excellent entertainment.