1944 Repertory Revue Makes impressive Row

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 126, 31 May 1944, Page 4

1944 Repertory Revue Makes impressive Row

From the rising of the curtain on tno the first act of the 1944 Repertory Revue, which opened a three-night season at the Opera ilouse last evening, the large audience sensed a treat was in store for* them in the colour and variety of the numbers offering. And they were not disappointed ior the items following in quick succession provided scope for the versatility of the members, leaving a vivid picture 01 youthful talent, gaiety and urilliance Some of the best numbers of the last show have been retaiifed with improvements and additions but by far the greater portion of this year’s presentation is new and original, and should prove a great draw. The new “vogueish” beach and play suits worn by the 40 girls in the opening chorus, the scintillating cellophane hula, the fashions of the “naughty Nineties,” the ridiculous cycling outfits for tandem riding, tho Hawaiian, nautical and minstrel frocks of the ballets, are some of the highlights of the first act which concludes with a rattling good solo and chorus, ‘ 1 The Good Ship Robert E. Lee.” In the second act the first scene concerns a farmyard and centres round a giant haystack. This gives scope for topical hits and skits and colourful f rocking for the landgirls who appear in brick red,. blue and green working attire while the dairymaids provide contrast in dainty sprig ged glazed chintzes. Into this scene the milkmaid ballet, ravishing in buttercup and green, provides the answer to the problem, “How’re We Gonna Keep ’Em Down on tho Farm?” Realistic touches are provided by the animals particularly the clever dog “Peter Page,” the “old grey mare” and all tho paraphenalia of the farmyard, not forgetting “Dad and Dave.” An outstanding number is the “Sunshine Sextette,” in which the girls are dressed in lovely golds, yellows and tangerines of sunlight, topped with poke bonnets of glittering gold and holding the gloaming rays of the sun appealing over the top of the hay* stack. Finally tho scene changes to a cabaret where again opportunities for lovely evening and ballet frocks have been fully exploited. A particularly attractive number is the “Stardust Ballet” and solo presented in a new scene of moonlight blue. A rousing challenge is offered in “Chin Up, Cheerio,” to its “Victory” finale with the military setting of red, white and blue in most attractive form there being unanimous agreement in the sentiments expressed,” “Why Don’t We Do This More Often!” and those present left with a happy feeling of having witnessed a sparkling Bhow with excellent vocal and dancing offer ings, also snappy dialogue and shared in a patriotic effort. It says much for the capabilities of the members who have been rehearsing assiduously over the past two months under tho capable direction of their producer, Miss Mavis Mortland that they have made all their frocks and written their script for this all-woman revue. Miss Marie Moffat is a tower of strength at the piano and has the assistance of Brian Craig, C. Pennell, J. Muir and J. Creighton in the orchestra. The ballets which were a strong feature were designed by Misses M. Pegden and N. Muir. To-night's performance will be given to aid tho Alan Loveday Fund.

British War Orphans When immigration is being considered after the war, the inter-Provincial conference of the Farmers’ Union wants preference given to war orphans from tho British Isles. This was a decision made yesterday. Drama Festival

It was reported at a meeting of the executive of the Palmerston North Littlo Theatre Society that there were thirteen teams in rehearsal for the annual inter-houso drama festival to be held in the first week in July. Possible Ban on Veal Tho possibility of there being a ban on veal on the Now Zealand retail market so that the beef herds of New Zealand can be built up, was mentioned at the inter-Provincial conference of the Farmers’ Union in Palmerston North yesterday. Opposums as Vermin Owing to the increasing menace to orchards and trees, the inter-Provincial conference of the Farmers’ Union yesterday decided to ask that the protection on opposums be lifted and people bo allowed to sell skins without a license. It was said they were vermin in the Martinborougli area. Domestics for Farms “That an appeal be made to the Government for assistance in obtaining domestic help on farms where the wives of farmers are helping to do farm work in an effort to maintain production.”— This was a remit carried unanimously at tho Farmers’ Union conference in Palmerston North yesterday. Kings Birthday Holiday According to official advice received by the sew Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation King’s Birthday will in general be observed as a holiday. If any production controller requires a factory to continue working he will be required to give direct notification to tho factory concerned. It is understood that such notification is likely to apply to very few factories. Bequests to Presbyterian Bodies Bequests of £4OOO to St. Andrew \s College, Christchurch, and £2OOO to the Presbyterian Social Service Associa tion contained in the will of the late Mr. A. I. Rattray has now become operative through tho recent death of Mrs. Rattray. Tho bequest to St. Andrew’s College is to establish and maintain a scholarship or scholarships at tho college to be called the A. I. Rat tray Memorial Scholarships. That to the Presbyterian Social Servico Association is to be devoted to the general purposes of orphanages maintained in Christchurch by the association. Mr. Rattray, who died 18 months ago, was secretary of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trot ting Club, the New Brighton Trotting 1 Club and the Canterbury Park Trotting Club.