“THE ARCADIANS”

Northern Advocate, 24 May 1928, Page 4

“THE ARCADIANS”

SECOND NIGHT’S PERFORMANCE.

ABLY PRESENTED.

When the curtain rose last evening for the second presentation of Lionel Monekton’s musical comedy “The Arcadians,” there was a very fair audience at the Town Hall.

Right from the start matters went with a swing and it was noticeable that the little defections always associated with a first-night presentation had been eliminated.

The comedy was ably presented and the members of the Waiata Society are to be congratulated in that they have added another success to their list of triumphs and have given the public of Whangarei an entertainment of good calibre.

The fabric of comedy is woven with the doihgs of Simplicitas, an erstwhile Cockney restaurant proprietor, who suddenly finds himself, through his aviation propensities, within the confines of Arcadia. This character is splendidly portrayed by Mr W. L. Donohue, who last evening delighted his audience with his interpretation of the part and the able manner 'in which he sustained it.

Whilst in Arcadia, and later on his return to London, Simplicitas is under the wing of Sorabra and C-hrysaca, two lady inhabitants of the land of enchantment. Mrs Albert Dobson, as Sombra, fulfilled her part with charming grace, her acting being consistent with the requirements of the character and her vocal numbers rendered in her usual finished manner; “The Pipes of Pan are Galling” and “Arcady is Ever Young” are well suited to her fine soprano voice. Mias J. McKay, as Ohrysaea, was a very able support to Sombra, and her vocal number: “I Like London” was a pleasing rendition. Peter Doody, a jockey, of a type that cannot enthuse over anything—not even riding a horse to victory —■ is rightly placed in the hands of Mr Percy Everett, who proves that he possesses more than the average ability. Doody is a personality distinctly- “on his own,” and Mr Everett has made a success of him. His vocal rendition, “My Hotter,” puts the finishing '•touch to splendid artistry. Miss Gwen Hosking, as Eileen Cavanagh, carried out her part excellently. She has good stage appearance and'deportment and a tuneful voice. Her two solos, ,“The Girl with a Brogue” and “I’ll bo a Sister to You All” won well merited approbation. The character of Mrs Smith, wife of James Smith, alias Simplicitas; is capably j handled by Mrs E. Hill. She meets all demands with characteristic sang froid and rises to the situation on all occasions.

The minor parts in the east are suitably placed and well rendered. The chorus work is good, especially the opening of the second act. The frocking and scenery are high-class, whilst the orchestra, under Mr Albert Dobson, are deserving of great credit. The dancing of Mrs J. A. Brown and Mias I. Lundon was a feature of the performance. * „ ‘