OPERATIC SOCIETY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 October 1928, Page 6

OPERATIC SOCIETY

"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK" ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE THEATRE AGAIN CROWDED The second performance of "The Hollo of New York" by the Nelson Amateur Operatic Society was given at the Theatre Royal last evening before a crowded and enthusiastic audience. Any little defects noticeable on the first night were absent, and the piece went with a well-balanced swing that was a credit to all taking part. A special word of praise is due to Air Lemmer, some of the chorus work being really good, while the incidental and catchy music was brought cut in a most telling and pleasing manner. The work of the principals was ssood, in some instances reaching a high standard for amateurs. During the past two months the members of the Society have spent many long hours in practising—often at great, personal inconvenience, and it should be extremely gratifying both to them and to Mr and Mrs Lester Brown, the pi'oducers, that the results of their efforts have been productive of so much enjoyment to the theatre-going public. An amateur operatic society plays a by no means small fart in the life of any community. It gives an opportunity to bring out latent talent; it encourages a liking for music; and from the social point of view has much to commend it. The public is indebted to the society for many a fine performance, both operatic and dramatic; and it can safely be said that in "Th&Belle of New York" the high amateur standard set in the past has i'een well maintained. The improvement on the opening night was most noticeable in the principals ■who without exception acquitted themselves well. Mrs Kirk as n Fifi Fi'icot" again interpreted, the part in a captivating manner, and Miss Veronica Bell as "Violet," sang very well, especially in "The Purity Brigade." Mrs Kirk in her duet with Mr Stevens, '.'Teach me how to Kiss," was enthusiastically encored. The Society could find no one better thari Mrs Moynihan for the part of "Gora Angelique," the Musical Comedy Qtieen. She is a good actress and possesses a good soprano voice. Mr N. V. WtStton, as "BBnky Bill" and Miss Sybil Bowman, as "Mamie Clancy," again gave high-class performances, and thoroughly merited • the well-deserved applause accorded them. Mr Eric Stevens carried through his heavy part as "Harry Bronson" with considerable credit, and his pleasant tenor voice was given full range, in his song "Wine, Women and Song," and inliis duet with Mrs Kirk. Mr Eddie Allan ("Dr. Snifkins") and Mr Les Hair ("Kenneth Mugg") were responsible for a good deal of amusement ana carried out their parts very well indeed. Mr Hair in company with Mr Wotton and Miss Hale, received an encore for the song and dance, "Little Sister Kissie." Miss Hale made an attractive little "Kissie." As on the first night, Mr Twiss left little to be desired in his part as'Tchabad Bronson," both his singing and. his acting were good. Mr A. R. Kingsford ("Karl Von Pumpernick'') was thoroughly at home, and his antics aroused considerable laughter. Mr A. K, Griffiths and Mr D. Johnson in their parts of a newspaper reporter and a press photographer respectively, got in a lot of telling work when "Harry Bronson" was being denounced for his various entanglements with the fair sex. Other minor parts were well Carried out by the following: Mr E. Berry ("Twiddles"), Mr A. Andreason and Mr D. Moore ("Count Ratsi and Count Falsi Tattattoo"), Miss Sadie Harling ("Pansy Pinns"), Mr Hodge ("Jim Sheep"), Mr W. Stewart ("NewYork Policeman"), Miss Simpson ("Little Miss Flirt"), and Mr Hillier Cheek ("Railway Gateman"). BALLETS AND CHORUS The ballets and chorus were:— Cora's Bridesmaids: Mrs Gillman, Mrs Newton; Misses S. Harling, E. McIlwraith, F., Fear, E, Edwards, E. Reid and V. Langridge. Housemaids: Misses P. Avdon, L. Silk, P. Miles, M. Burgess, V. Biberstein, E. Simpson, M. Greenslade, and E. Tiller. Purity Brigade: Misses M. Baxter, E. Newman, M. Barton, V. Biberstein, P. Aydon, L. Silk, P. Miles, M- Burgess, M. Busbridge, E. Simpson,. M. Greenslade and E. Tiller. Bathing Girls: Misses J. Beauchamp, Mi Baxter, M. Burgess, V. Biberstein, E. Newman and P. Aydon. Chinese Ballet: Misses E Newman, M. Baxter, M. Greenslade, E. Tiller, V. Biberstein, L. Silk, P. Miles and P. Aydon. Drummer Boys: Misses D. Busbridge and F. Beauchamp. Chorus (Ladies): Mesdames Stewart, Newton and Gillman; Misses P. Aydon, M. Baxter, V. Biberstein, M. Burgess, M. Barton, D. Busbridge, F. and J. Beauchamp, E. Edwards, F. Fear, M. Greenslade, L. Hal), V. Langridge, E. Ladley, P. Miles, J. McDonald, E. Mo Thvraith, E. Newman, E. T. Powrie, L. Silk and E. Tiller* Chorus (Men): Messrs P. R. Amos, D. Bishop, H. F. Bush, S. Biberstein, H. Cass, G. Gratton, L. Hodge, A. J. W. Hodder, C. A. Hamilton, J. F. Heath, H. McKenzie, A. W. Mcllwiaith. W. R. Miller, W. Stewart and H. Scoltock. The orchestra comprised : Conductor, Mr Julius B. Lemmer, A.R.A.M.; pianiste, Mrs Phil Vining ; violins, Mrs W. Vaughan, Mrs Maginnity; viola, Mrs Bush; 'cello, Miss Frank; bass, Mr Amalrick; flute Mr T B. Louisson; clarinet, Mr A. Rutland; cornets, Mr L. A. Jones, Mr Ingram; trombone, Mr Whitwell; horn, Mr R, Mockler; drums, Mr Chas.' Webley. Another performance will be given this evening; and on Friday and Saturday of next week the season will be brought to a close.