OPERATIC SOCIETY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21467, 15 April 1933, Page 8 (Supplement)

OPERATIC SOCIETY

"LES CLOCHES DE CORNEVILLE " The charming melodies, picturesque setting and idyllic'story of Planquette's " Les Cloches do Corncvillo " liavo led the Duncdin Amateur Operatic Society to follow tho Auckland society's lead in selecting the light opera for this year's work. The Auckland production will be given late in May or early in June, and tho Dunedin society will stage the opera toward the end of the year. A representative of the Southern society was greatly impressed during the week by the Auckland society's rooms in Grafton Road, where rehearsals are now actively in progress. The whole floor of tho rooms have to be used since the size of the chorus, numbering over 70, and tho movements of tho ballet make the stage inadequate. Tho story is set in France before the revolution, and it has for its central character Lucienne, daughter of tho Comte do Lucenev, who has been forced to flee the country. Brought up in Normandy by the faithful but avaricious retainer, Gaspard, she is the centre of attraction at the old castle, held in much awe by tho peasants because of the curious supernatural effects observed in it. The story is full of fantasy and charm, and its interest is enhanced by the picturesque costuming always associated with the period. The principals will bo Ruth Scott, M rs. Lan Simson, R. G. Simmers, L. O'Malley, Gordon Faigan and Raymond Reeve. Miss Daphne Knight will bo producer and Mr. Colin Muston musical director.