MUSICAL COMEDY SEASON.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15714, 4 January 1922, Page 5

MUSICAL COMEDY SEASON.

"KATINKA" AT THE OrERA-HOUSE It is no small undertaking to make a ni-htlvchange of.plays staged m an extended season, but the talented 1). a. O'Connor Company have done tins in a way that has left everything running smoothly, and are continuing to do so during the Sisborn'e season. Last night the' popular "Katinka" was staged, and in point of merit proved a triumph for the company. It has hern produced in Gisborae' before on a larger scale in regard to the chorus, but the work of the principals.income respects_ eclipsed that of previous performers and there was not a weak-split to be. found in the whole company. "Katinka" is a charming light opera in three acts, and.is noted for if s bright music, clever acting, beautiful .ensembles, and.humorous situations. Mies' Ida Leggntt, in the title role, invested the pari- with a charm that delighted everyone. The numerous musical numbers were done, fiill justice to I>jr Miss Leggatt, .who was repeatedly recalled, especially' for her singing of "Rackety Coo,"*, the haunting refrain of whiqh was heard throughout the piece, and her acting was capital throughout, Mr. ,D, B. O'Connor gave a striking characterisation .of the part of the breezy American, Thaddeus T. Hopper, who, in seeking to do. a good turn for others, including the rescue of a fair ladv from a Russian ".bear,' bad become enmeshed in complications that were driving him to distraction. Some of the scenes caused immense merriment, Mi% O'Connor infusing' the part with plenty of vigor and life, and also achieving success with his songs and in dances with lady members of the company. His performance was a remarkably fine one throughout. Miss Mcrcia Elliott gave a very pleasing impersonation of Mrs Helen Hooper, and was a. great favorite with the audience. The other characters showed uniform excellence, the chief performers being:—lvan Dimitri, Mr: William' Everard, 1 Boris Strogoff, Mi'. Harry Charters, Monsieur Knopf, Mr. Tlmo'.'Boase, Petroy. Mr. Joseph Scales, Abdul, Mr. Charles Villiers; Varenka, Miss Ella Hudson, Tatiana. Miss Jean Carlton, Olga, Mjss Althea Hyde. Some very pretty dances' were given, the dressing was beautiful, and the play was 'finely staged. The season will be continued to-night, when the popular musical comedy, "The Girl for the Boy," will be staged. To-morrow night "Oh, Boy," nrid in response to numerous requests, will on "Friday night' again present "Ooing Up," with; "You're in Love" to follow on Saturday.