“THE ARCADIANS”

Northern Advocate, 23 May 1928, Page 4

“THE ARCADIANS”

SUCCESSFUL IN AUGUR ATION

Aready was overlooked by Time

As a ’onsequonee no wrinkles were written on the brows of the inhabitants. The years passed, but the youths and maidens never grew old. They remained things of beauty and love and truth,

‘* Free from sorrow, from grief or care. Wandering on in enchanted air.” As with “Aready, land of love,” so with “The Arcadians,” the delightful musical comedy which was staged at the Town Hall last evening by the Waiata Society. Many years have passed since if was introduced to the theatregoers of London. (Since then it has been played the world over, and the gramophone has made its music familiar to millions who have never seen the stage production. Yet “The Arcadians” retains its youthful charm: Time seems to have forgotten it. This was suggested forcibly last evening when the Waiata Society commence.! a four nights’ season of the musical comedv.

There was a particularly good audience for a first night, and there was a general expression of opinion that a very high class performance was registered. This opinion was well founded, as there was little to suggest that the company had not been on tour. Everything ran smoothly and with vim, and though improvement will naturally take place as the season advances, the producer, principals, chorus and orchestra have every reason to be proud of what they did last evening. In Mr Theodore Trezise, the society has again had the services of a master producer, and Mr Trezise has had good material to work upon, for individual performers last evening revealed that Whangarei has m’any people possessed of musical and histrionic ability. Special mention must be made of the staging and dressing, which were of a standard that reflected great credit upon all concerned. The sotting of the first act—a scene in Aready—was particularly beautiful. Mr George Woolley painted the scenery for this and the other acts, and the results achieved stamp him as a fine scenic artist. Mrs Halliday and Mr' Crosby, who were responsible for the exceptionally good dressing, added to the reputation they already possessed for work of this description.

From the point of view of staging and dressing, “The'Arcadians” was a distinct success, but the best scenery and the most elaborate dressing would not make a complete performance. There is the human element, upon •which the fate of the play depends. That element crowned the production. The principals were really excellent. Mrs A. Dobson as Sombra, who was much in the picture, acted very acceptably, while her beautiful voice was heard to advantage in the various numbers allotted to her. *‘ The Pipes of Pan are Calling” was an especially fine solo, and “Aready Is Ever Young” wore delightful. Miss J. McKay, as Chrysaea, another of the Arcadians, sang and danced very pleasantly, her performance throughout being very good indeed. Miss G. Hosking, in the role of Eileen Cavanagh, scored a marked success. 6he was dainty and sprightly, and her acting, dancing and singing were very pleasing, Mrs E. Hill, in the bizarre role of Mrs Smith, created much amusement. She threw herself whole-heartedly into her work. The other ladies, who filled comparatively minor roles, did their work exceedingly well. *

Tib chorus and hallet, were excellent. The members were well trained and their vivacity and attractiveness made a very pleasing feature of this important portion of the musical , comedy, ft The leading men of the company arc to be congratulated. Messrs W.. Donohue and P. Everett, in particular, distinguished themselves. Mr Donohue, as the caterer turned Arcadian, was a host in himself. His reading of the part was original in many respects, and his performance marked him as a first-class comedian. He well earned the applause of the audience, especially when, in his airy garments, he rode to victory a real live horse, which made its appearance before a surprised audience. No performance of “The Arcadians” would be a success without a “Peter Doody” of the type made famous by the creator of "the i role. In Mr Percy Everett, the audience saw a very clever comedian, who lived the part of the pessimistic and j unlucky jockey whose “motto” is: (“always merry and bright.” Mr, jEvereit gave an outstanding perform-! (auce, which was greatly enjoyed. Mr] A, Morgan did well ns .Tack Meadows, his acting and singing being meritorious. Mr R. K. Trimmer made a very aggressive Sir George, Paddock. As “ Bobbie ,T Mr C. Coulam acquitted himself well. The other members also carried out satisfactorily the duties devolving upon them, hut Mr E. Reid deserves mention for his portrayal of “Time”; he was a spectacular figure. It is unnecessary to say that “The Arcadians” is brimful of melody. There are no less than 24 solos, duets, quartettes and choruses. These were sung with excellent effect, which was enhanced by the playing of a ful) orchestra under the baton of Mr Albert Dobson. The orchestra contri- i bu'ted in no small measure to the sue- j cess hf the products'll, which, from be- j ginning to end, was thoroughly en- I joyed. j “The Arcadians” will be repeated] this evening. It should not bo missed. !