"THE GEISHA."

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXVI, Issue 3366, 12 March 1915, Page 3

"THE GEISHA."

COMING TO PAEROA

We would again draw the attention of our leaders to the production of the above opera by the Waihi Operatic Society of over 60 performers in the Criterion Theatre on Wednesday, 17th March. The society has been in existence for the past seven or eight years, and has successfully staged such operas as the "Mikado," " Gondoliers," and " Dorothy," but the production of the " Geisha," which is being staged by it under the conductorship of Mr T. E. Midgley, has for popularity and production greatly exceeded any of its previous efforts. The prior pioduction of the " Geisha " by the society has been solely

in aid of that very worthy causes the Belgium Fund. The proceeds, together with the handsome sum handed over from the patriotic" concert, also given by the members of the society, have greatly augmented that fund, and the society is deserving ot the support of the public of Ohinemuri. The society does not exist tor monetary gatn r but tor educational purposes, and to unearth_ latent but budding talent which might otherwise never be found out. Since its last successful visit to Paeroa the company has been strengthened by the inclusion of Mr Reginald Jenkins, of Thames, in the part of" Reg. Fairfax." He possesses a very pleasing baritone voice, and his introduction of the patriotic solo " Chivalry " with chorus, and his excellent stage presence, have added greatly to the success of the opera.. Mr Evan Morgan, who is by no* means a stranger to Paeroa audiences, is the possessor of ah excellent bass voice, and is playing the difficult part of the " Marquis Imari." The part of " Molly Seymour " is now in the capable hands of Miss E.. Oldham, whose singing and acting have been the talk ot Waihi since the last production under the auspices of the /Waihi Miners' Union in aid of the Belgium Fund on the Ist of March. The chorus has also been strengthened/ by many good voices, and the scenery and costumes, originally the property of J. C. Williamson Company, are the finest ever shown outside the main centres of New Zealand. The public of Paeroa may look forward to a very pleasant evening in the Criterion Theatre on Wednesday next, and at the same time they Will be assisting a local amateur company, which has done so much to assist such worthy friends and allies as the noble Belgians.