OTAGO BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23299, 17 September 1937, Page 7

OTAGO BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL

ENJOYABLE CONCERT . It is some years since the Otago Boys' High School presented entertainments at regular intervals, but that which was given by the pupils last night was sufficiently enjoyable to give rise to the desire that an annual entertainment of this nature will be arranged. The programme was varied, with musical, dramatic, and physical culture items, all of which were well arranged and performed. After the singing of the High School Song by the massed boys, the orchestra, conducted by Mr C. Roy Spademan, played 3rahms's "Hungarian Dance, No. 6," and a selection from Wallace's popular opera "Maritana.' In both these items the orchestra displayed a commendable sense of rhythm. The school Dramatic Society then gave an enjoyable performance of the one-act play " Discovery." The incident on which the play was based was the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus in 1492, and the stage setting, on board the Santa Maria, was cleverly arranged. The members of the cast gave performances which did them credit, the leading roles being particularly well sustained. The costuming and general make-up were also creditable. The cast was as follows:—J. S. Olds (Diego Garcia), F. A. Ponton (Juan Patino), W. D. Dawson (Pedro Gutierrez), K. W. Paterson (Christopher Columbus), S. S. Holden (Pope), J. V. Goodman (Francisco;, and W. A. Mutimer (Guillermo Ires). The stage manager was A. L. Titchener and the assistant stage manager R. G. Mathieson. An acrobatic display, directed by Mr J P. Northey, was then given by A. J Abbot, W. J. Barnes, D. Birt, M. E. Buckland, D. B. Fea, A. A. Jelley, O. A. Johnstone, A. C. Munro. The turns were amusing as well as clever, and the comments of a ventriloquial doil at the rear of the stage added to the interest of the display. Three effective numbers, Anvil Chorus." from "II Trovatore" (Verdi), "Holy Night" (Franz Gruber). and "Steal Away" (negro spiritual) were sung by the choir, under the direction of Mr C. Roy Spackman. Good balance and tone control were marked in each item. An instrumental quartet "Ave Maria" (Schubert), followed, the performers being R. J. Hanna. I. C. Cowie (violins), C. J. L. Wright, D. I Chisholm (clarinets), and R. E. M'Nicoll (piano). This was a pleasing number, in which the mood of the composition was well interpreted. A gymnastic display was then given. The young gymnasts showed grace and agiiitv on the horizontal bars and in rope climbing, and coloured lighting was an effective addition to the club swinging in unison. Other songs sung by the boys of the school were "Creation's Hymn, " Twankydillo." and " Waiata Pol.