“A Country Girl”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7300, 30 October 1933, Page 8

“A Country Girl”

The production of “A Country Girl’ ’ by the Palmerston North Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, which commences a five-nights season on Tuesday next at the Opera House, promises to exceed in popularity all previous efforts of this progressive society.

The story concerns love, politics and romance, and the charming settings of the Devonshire village giving views of old-world England arc well portrayed in the scenery of the first act. Geoffrey Challoncr (Mr E. G. Seeker) and his man Barry (Mr Henry Palmer) arrive in the village just at a time when the election of a new member to represent the country in Parliament is about to be conducted. Sir Joseph Verity (Mr Bert Eising) has designs upon the seat' for his ‘‘wooden-headed son,” Douglas (Mr E. G. Spraggon). The element of romance is introduced by the return of Marjorie, a country girl (Miss V. Luccna), who was in love with Geoffrey. The village atmosphere is maintained by the presence oft old “Granfcr” Mummery (Mr J. M. Pearson), Nan, the village flirt (Miss Naomi Whalley), Rube (Mr V. Contour), Mrs Quinton Raikes (Miss Margaret Guy) and Sophie (Miss Edna Boon), who becomes a fine lady at the manor. Ir. tho second act Lord Anchcstcr (Mr Clarence Kabone) gives a ball at the Ministry of Fine Arts and the setting for this scone is on a grand scale. Mr J. Wynne-Jones lias the part of Lord Grassmerc and Mrs Chambers plays Lady Anchcstcr. A feature of the production is the wonderful ballet work developed by Mrs J. Hulmc (Miss Eva Moore). The “Rendezvous” ballet is a particularly pleasing presentation. Tho chorus is the largest seen in the city in recent, years, and the catchy musical numbers, ■‘Try,Again, Johnnie,” and ‘‘Molly the Marchioness” (Miss Naomi Whalley), “Coo” (Miss V. Lucena), ‘‘Under the Deodar” (Mrs Brian Simpson), complete a picture which has been adequately described as “too good to miss.”

Box' plans are now open at the Central Booking Office, and it will be advisable to book early as record houses are expected.