" SAN TOY " TO-NIGHT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 14053, 25 July 1916, Page 5

" SAN TOY " TO-NIGHT.

PLAY IN .AID OF PATRIOTIC FUNDS. The production of the musical comedy "San Toy" is already a pronounced success as far as the booking of seats is concerned, and exceptionally large audiences are assured, although seats' are still available for those who desire to be present. That the play will be an artistic success can be relied on, judging by the full-dress rehearsal given, m His Majesty's Theatre last night. Under the direction of the stago manager, , Mr Rosewame, the play was gone through m its entirety, and everything was got into smooth running order. The numerous performers have put m a large amount of work m tho hope of giving satisfaction to the expectant public. --•Th 6 result of the persistency is now being manifested, and those who might have been dubious at the outset as' to -whether complete success could be 'attained 1 have now every reason for confidence m the belief that they will please the large number of people who will be present to enjoy the play. "San Toy" is a bright musical production that has always proved a. great attraction wherever presented* It combines mirth and melody m aw ay that delights an . audience. The management has been fortunate m the 'larga amount of musical talent available, and with -MSss WmiTred Birch m, the name'partthe principal roles are allotted m a way that ensures a powerful cast of the leading characters. The orchestra., under the direction of Mr Mainland Foster, is of a strength and quality that Avill give great pleasure to lovers of music, and should put the audience m the best of humor from the commencement;" as the overture will be a special feature that makes it worth - while, for people to .be seated early so that . they will not "miss hearing it. -The orchestra also gives great assistance all through \ the piece, and does a^lot towards ensuring a coin*- : plete success.' '"San Toy" comprises some fine vocal numbers, and these are all m good hands. .-The soloists have some gems that will be. certain of warm appreciation,, especially, the tuneful numbers' that 'fall to the lot of Miss Winifred Birch and . Mr F. J. Teat, while the lighter vein will be splendidly carried through by Mr Bayliss and Mis Hobday and other members of the company. It can be predicted with confidence that Miss Birch will immediately install herself a warm favorite with a Gisborne audience^; and that.' her larity will be amply justified. - The dances are pretty, and the costumes worn' are gay and handsome "and will be much admired. The scenery and stage effects are exceptionally fine, and i the dragon scene especially should meet J with the heaaty. approval oi the audience. The concerted musical numbers and the grand tableaux should give great pleasure, the chorus being an exceptionally strong one. ■ 'The grand finale, m which Mr Teat takes the-solo-, wUI be- one bf- the'* 'finest ever seen m Gisborne,' and is certain to' arouse intense enthusiasm. It wi\l be a. patriotic scene, m: wliich some of the .heroes of Gallipoli will take-part, and the appearance of. these men -will- '-be- sufficient to make the magnificent, tableau one to be long remembered with a thrill of pride. All thoge taking, part m; the performance are deserving of .ci'edit for the way they have devoted themselves assist, m a ~""sq)leu3id production for" a worthy purpose. , They .have entered into the work,: the early stages of- which would consist largely of drudgery, m a "way that has enabled- the best results to be obtained, and -taking : last " night's final rehearsal as a ; criterion tthere - is ■no hesitation m saying, that the production should eclipse anything previously staged m Gisborne by a local organisation.