"THE VAGABOND KING"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23123, 23 August 1938, Page 15

"THE VAGABOND KING"

EXTENDED SEASON OPENS OPERATIC SOCIETY'S SUCCESS Following a most successful initial presentation, the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society's production "The Vagaboad King" began an extended season before a large audience at His Majesty's Theatre last night. Captivating in its music and drainatio in its plot, th'u opera for over three hours held the undivided attention and at times aroused the unstinted applause of all who attended. Probably not for many years has an amateur company presented in Auckland a production of such unmistakable merit and all-round accomplishment. In the work of principals, chorus, ballet, orchestra, conductor and producer, there is a quality that would do credit to a professional company. Apart from the notable performances of several members of the cast, it is in tho stirring singing of the chorus and artistry of the ballet that much of the appeal of tho production lies. Rudolf Friinl's "March of tho Vagabonds" is a familiar piece, but its spirited rendering by the chorus must have given the song a new significance to the audience. The three dances presented by the ballet, "Hunting," "Tarantella" and "Knight Errant," revealed real artistry in their conception and execution, and the solo dancing of Miss Bettina Edwards deserved the applause it gained. Singing their way through the melodious score, J. Ernest Snell, as Franvois Villon, the ragamuffin poet and brawler who ruled France for a day, and Miss Sybil Phillips, as Katherine de Vaucelles, the lovely lady of King Louis' court, were heard in a series of delightful numbers, of which perhaps "Only a Pose" and "Love Me To-night" were the most pleasing. In the 'comedy part of Guy Tabarie, Douglas Stark gave a classic performance. His witty asides, topical allusions and inspired comedy "business" provided rollicking fun. Another first-class performance was that of Norton Hammond, whose interpretation of King Louis was the dominant feature of a number of scenes.

Final presentations of the opera will be made to-night and to-morrow.