“THE GEISHA”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22664, 31 August 1935, Page 2

“THE GEISHA”

OPERATIC SOCIETY’S PRODUCTION Commencing in His Majesty's Theatre on September 14, the Dunedin Operatic Society will present the two-act musical comedy, “The Geisha.” This production is one of the most popular of the older musical comedies.- Major F. H. Dampen is the producer, and the ballets are being trained and supplied by Mr Stan Lawson. A strong cast has been selected for this production and a full operatic chorus and orchestra will be under the conductorship of Mr James Clark, the society’s musical director. Miss Freda Ehnes, as 0 Mimosa San, should win approbation with her natural style and charming voice, which will be heard in such numbers as the “ Jewel of Asia, “A Geisha’s Life,” and the “Amorous Goldfish.” The reappearance of Miss Anita Winkel after a lengthy absence from operatic productions will no doubt be an added attraction. Miss Winkel, as the French interpreter, Juliette, at the Chinese tea house, has much scope for the French characterisations for which she is so well known. Miss Irene O’Sullivan, as the haughty Lady Constance Wynne, is a newcomer to the Operatic Society’s cast, as is Miss Bennie Marshall, who will play the part of Mollie Seamore, the leader of the party of English girls who visit Japan. Mr Harold Bain, as Reg Fairfax, has some excellent solos, including “Jack’s the Boy” find “Star of My Soul.” He will also be heard in the duets “ Kissing with Miss Elmos and “The Toy” duet with Miss Marshall. Mr Reynolds Herbert, as the xjompous Marquis Imari, needs no introduction to a Dunedin audience, as his portrayal of the miser in “ Les Cloches de Corneville ” will be recalled. The chief comedy part of Wuu Hi, proprietor of the Chinese tea house, is entrusted to Mr Bernie Hammonds, who is making his first stage appearance in Dunedin. Others in the cast are Arthur Lungley, Allan Highet, Wilf Olsen, Norman Lindsay, Nora Shannon, and Mollio Francis. “ The Geisha,” which lends itself to pretty and effective staging, will be presented in true Oriental fashion. Special scenery and lighting effects will be introduced, and no expense is being spared,_ it is said, to make the revival of this favourite musical comedy a success. The box plan will open at the D.I.C. on September 1A