"THE GEISHA."

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXVI, Issue 3365, 10 March 1915, Page 2

"THE GEISHA."

COMING TO PAEROA.

NEXT WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

Paeroa music iovers were so well pleased with the performance of "The Geisha ): given here some four months ago that they will have another opportunity of seeing this delightful comic opera on the evening of Wednesday next, when the Waihi Amateur Operatic Society will pay a return visit. Oi a performance given in Waihi lately, the Wai In Telegraph says the scene on the stage in the opening chorus was enhanced by the van-coloured lime-light manipulated by a skilful operator. The effect of the light upon the scenery and costumes gave an artistic and picturesque colouring to the assemblage. The large orchestra, under the direction of Mr T. E. Midgley, contributed in a very large measure to the success of the opera. The piece itself was enacted with a'l the vim and gracefulness that! is necessary "in the production of light opera. The parts were all well cast, and the principals were ably supported by ah evenly-balanced chorus. There was no hitch of any kind from the rise tn the curtain in the first act till it was rung down in the last scene of the last act. Miss Minnie Parker.as O Mimosa San, the chief Geisha, was quite as successful as in her previous performance ot this character, and upheld her reputation as an operatic artist, She was natural and skilful, and won the highest opinions of the audience.' Miss Oldham, as Molly Seamore, made a distinct hit. She acted with much ability and imparted to her role a pipuancy that makes for success in amateur operatics. Her'distinct enunciation in her singing and dialogue was pleasingly njticable. She was particularly good in the auction scene. Mrs F. S. Budd gave a graceful impersonation of Lady Constance Wynne, and rendered the solos alloted to her with finish and effect. . Mrs F. Godfrey, as ] uiletle Diamant,' acted and sang with considerable skill, and was at home from beginning to end in her I part. Mr R. Jenkins made an excellent j impression as Reginald Fairfax, a naval officer. He possesses a very fine voice . ot good range, and used it to advan- ; tage. Mr Jenkins is new to a Waihi j audience, and we hope to see more of ! him on the local boards. Mr. Evan i Morgan, as the Marquis Isiiari, bore ! himself with dignity, and spoke his many lines in a manner which is necessary to emphasise the points and sar- : casm which bristled throughout the part. He was in excellent voice, and sang with his usual skill. Mr W.J. Woods, as Dick Cunningham, looked every , inch a naval officer, and sang with exceptional clearness and effect Mr L. E. Glass, as Wuri'Hi, had the house in convulsions. The " business ' attached to his part was made the most of, and in all respects he was a true comedian. In his singing he was equally as much at home, and was heartily applauded.