WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3881, 31 July 1928, Page 66

WING WHISPERS.

By

Peter Pan

WELLINGTON, July 26. Dear “ Pasquin,”—Leon Gordon and his talented company .commenced a short season of “ The Trial of Mary Dugan ” at the Grand Opera House, last night, and the play intrigued right, from the commencement of the. sensational trial. Miss May Collins is the girl on the stand, and her acting is most convincing, -while Mr Gordon himself, in the role of prosecuting couns’el, is most unpopillar witl), the audience,- which is the jury in the case. It is a play full of “atmosphere,” for the curtain is up as you file in, and there is no orchestra to prepare .one for the entrance of the cast. Tlie narrative of the d,rama of American stage and business life is crammed full of incident; a chorus girl is charged with tile murder of her paramour, and things appear black, until the girl’s brother replaces- defending counsel and works up to an exciting denouement in which the girl is vindicated. Leyland Hodgson. who has forsaken musical comedy for drama, is Jimmy Dugan, whose defence of his sister is a big thing in a series of unexpected happenings. The cast is an exceptionally good one, and among well-known names are those of John Fernside, J. B. Atholwood, Camp-, bell Copelin, John D’Arcy, and other's. The second production for the season will be “ Scandal,” which revival has been such a success in Australia.

Italian Grand Opera is the talk of the town just now, and booking for the FullerGonsalez season is heavy; The opening performance will be of intense interest here, and His Majesty’s -will be packed each night judging by indications. Mr W. P. Fitzgerald is in Wellington completing arrangements for the grand opera season. Alfred O’Shea gives a farewell recital in the Town Hall on Saturday night next prior to his departure for foreign parts. He is assured of a hearty send-off. The second and final Mozartian concert, is to bo given in Signor Lucien Cesaroni’s studio on Saturday evening. The Royal Wellington Choral Union is in active rehearsal for a performance in September of Hector Berlioz’s “ Damnation of Faust.” The members are taking keen interest in the work under the direction of Mr John Bishop, and as well'as the usual chorus, there will be a boys’ chorus of some 40 or 50 strong. Mr Bishop has entered upon a strenuous period, and his conductorship is admirable. The Wellington Competitions Society has received nominations fo£ this year’s festival away ahead of those of last year. In each department there is a notable increase, and the children’s choir section promises to be particularly interesting' with entries from outside.

Clement May’s recital on Monday night attracted a crowded attendance to the Concert Chamber. The programme was rich with talent, and the fencing exhibition of M. Emile Bennet and pupils most interesting to watch. Mr May figured in several of the sketches, and all voted the performance an outstanding one in the way of elocutionary ability. Miss Esther Fisher gives a recital in the Town Hall to-night as a farewell performance. This brilliant young Wellington girl has been delighting listeners in other parts, and critics have been unanimous in her pianoforte work; The League of Notions Revue finishes up at His Majesty’s on Monday night next. Their stay here has been one long success. for Mike Connors and Queenie Paul know how to put on a good show.