OPERATIC SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22910, 18 June 1936, Page 6

OPERATIC SOCIETY

“ THE MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS ”

Those ingredients ■which make musical comedy such /delightful fare for entertainment seekers are contained in “ The Maid of the Mountains,” which the Dunedin Operatic Society will present at His Majesty’s Theatre for a week’s season, commencing with a matinee on Saturday afternoon. The basic quality of this type of entertainment —music— is undoubtedly the main feature of “ The Maid of the Mountains,” but few musical comedies have such- an interesting love story and clever comedy situations running through the whole story. The comedy is sheer good fun, as wholesome ( as it is fresh. The Operatic Society’s 'productions have been distinguished by, the originality and talent of the ballets, and as Miss Constance Potts has provided this section of the entertainment, patrons can be assured that the ballets will be original and novel. A well balanced cast of principals has been assembled for “ The Maid of the Mountains.” . The company is particularly strong in vocalists, with Freda Elmes, Gwenda Burt, Arthur, Lungley and 11. Wilson Brown in the leading parts; while Miss. Burt and Mr Wilson Brown, together with Major Lampen and Mark Gaston, can be relied upon to provide all i the mirth that is necessary in the highly complicated situation?. As Teresa Miss Elmes has an exceptionally line role, one in which her talents should have full scope. She needs no introduction to Dunedin audiences and her rendering of the ever popular “ Love Will Find a Way” and “My Life Is Love” should be well received. Miss Gwenda Burt will have full scope for her undoubted llair for comedy, and her work with Mr E. Wilson Brown will keep the audience in good humour. Miss Patsy Stephens, a newcomer to operatic casts, can be relied upon to give a distinctive touch to the role of the aristocratic Angela, daughter of General Malone. Major Lampen is perfectly at home as the fussy old governov, and his work with Mark Gaston as Crumpet, aide de camp to the Governor, is expected to bo extremely funny. The main singing role has been allotted to Mr Arthur Lungley, and included in his lengthy list of musical numbers is the well known “ A Bachelor Gay,” and a duet with .Miss Elmes, “ A Paradise for Two,” As Baldasarre Mr Eeynolds Herbert has a most exacting rob;, but ho can always be relied upon to give a finished performance. Others who asist in the cast are Miss Mollio Francis, Messrs Alex M'Dowell, Mason Harrould, E. Fish, Jack Johnson. E. Murphy and K, W. Griffiths! The chorus, which is reported to be one of the strongest ever aseinbled by the society, is under the baton of Mi James Dixon, and Mr Angus Gorric, as stage manager, will have charge of the scenic department. The whole production is under the direction of Major Lampen, and box plans are now open at Ch.as. Bcgg and Co., and arrangements for day sales are also advertised in this issue.