“A RUNAWAY GIRL.”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16870, 27 October 1925, Page 10

“A RUNAWAY GIRL.”

SPARKLING MUSICAL COMEDY. AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS. Of Hie large muubor who mere privileged to witness the opening' performance of the Amateur Operatic Society’s production of “A Runaway Girl” in the Opera House last night none can dispute the outstanding success which was achieved. It was difficult to realise that, the company consisted of local amateurs, many of them .appearing on the stage for the .first time, and all of them having commenced rehearsing only a few weeks ago. There was an abundance of natural talent, but this alone did not account for the success. Masterly tuition and assiduous practice was essential to the almost brilliant ensomblo which was presented. The performance last night was received with utmost enthusiasm, each number evoking spontaneous applause, and many recalls being insisted upon. The play was characterised by bright music, harmonious choruses, sparkling humor, and general vivacity, there being not one moment’s dullness, lack of continuity or action. Amateurishness was never apparent, and even the usual first night hitches and delays did not occur. On the other hand the production was staged in an entirely commendable manner, and good as the .Society’s efforts have been in the past, the general opinion must be that nothing better has ever been done locally. In one respect, at least, all previous work was completely eclipsed. This was in regard to the general movement of the artists, the footwork, and the dancing, particularly of the ballets, reflecting the supervision of a master-hand. The dancing and the musie wore, in fact, a real feature of the production, and interspersed with many tine solos and snappy dialogue, produced an artistic effect. The stage picture which wus presented was one that would oo difficult to surpass, the costuming, lighting, and scenery blending into one most effective whole. The greatest credit is attaching to the producer, Mr. F. Keadc Wauehop, who, in the short time at his disposal, most successfully converted a quantity of raw material into a very finely finished product. Equal credit is due to the musical director, Mr. Mainland Foster, whoso orchestra of 15 instruments has attained a degree of proficiency which was In keeping with the performance itself, and largely assisted in the brilliant pagentrv. 'flic manner in which all the factors of the production had been blended and hurmonised resulted in the audience being favored with a production that must have exceeded (lie expectations of even the most optimistic. The season commenced auspiciously before a crowded house, and there is no doubt but that during the coming week “A Runaway Girl” will be the outstanding attraction.

The Society was wise in its selection of a. play for this year's performance. “A Runaway,Girl” gives ample scope to the talent available, while the musical numbers are such as to give both the artists and the musicians every opportunity of making the most of their ability. The story of the play is, of course, almost negligible. It is merely a slender thread upon which to hau s a pleasing pot pourri of music, song, and verse. The action centres around a young girl, Winifred Gray, a student at a convent, who, when she learns that her guardians, Lord and Lady Goodie, have arranged a marriage for her with her cousin, Guy (Stanley, whom sho has never seen, runs away and joins a wandering band of gypsy musicians. She is accompanied m her flight by Brother Tamarind, who has fallen in love with one of the gypsies, Garmonita. Lord Goodie makes a search for Winifred, but she is first found by Guy, who, without knowing her real identity, falls in love with her, and joins the band of musicians in order that he may marry her. Many complications ensue before the plot is finally unravolled, and much amusement is caused by the dialogue. Tbo first, act opens in the convent grounds, Win if rod revealing her misfortune to , her school-fellows. Miss Inez Itigg, as Winifred,;makes her debut in operatic work, and makes it remarkably well. .She is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding of the cast, her solos being excellent, while her spoken lines are said with a strikingly good enunciation, and her acting throughout is of a finished nature. Her solo “The Sly Cigarette ’’ was a pleasing introduction, but sho was oven bettor in “The Singing Girl/' whilo her duet with Guy, Mr. Vic Harre, “There No One in the World/’ was ono of the prettiest numbers of the play. Mr. Harre was well cast as Guy, tho somewhat irresponsible young Englishman. His part was well acted, while his singing was just what would be expected of him. He made a most suitable partner for Miss Bigg, and their work together was a feature. Guy’s solo “Not the Sort of Girl I caro About/’ was splendid, although tho chorus was not so well sung as in some of the other items. Miss Edna Jeliuck, as Carmenita, was a decided success, the part of the Cockney girl who had'joinod the gypsies suiting her admirably. Her portrayal of tho part was clever, While her singing and dialogue with Brother Tamarind, Mr. W. J. Sinclair, was largely responsible for tho life of the production. Tamarind once converted into a gypsy was particularly good, his part suiting him and being given all the emphasis it deserved. Carmenita and Tamarind were hoard together in a fine duet,, “W'c’vo Left Barcelona/’ while CarmcLUtu’s solo, “Society,” was another striking effort, the chorus assisting greatly. The portrayal of the part of Flipper, a Cockney who endeavors to act as courier to Lord Goodie, could not bo in better hands than those of Mr. A. Zaclmriah, who was his inimitable self, the humor of his situation bofitting him in a remarkable manner, and causing almost ceaseless merriment. Mrs. i\V. A. Bowie, us Alice, Lady Goodie’s maid, was cast opposite him, and her acting was unsurpassed. She pul every ounce of energy into her part, playing with a vivacity and insouciance that; were really delightful. The duet of Alice and Flipper, “Tho Piccaninnies,” was charming in its quaintness, presenting something quite new. Flipper also was hoard to advantage in a pleasant trio, * ‘Tol-Dc-ltol-Eay, ” with Winifred and Guy, this being one of the most pleasing numbers. The part of Ldrd Goodie was port fayed by Mr. St. Glair Keogh, who made an ideal English aristocrat, introdui mg some good humor, while Mrs. Clements, as Lady Goodie, was equally well-suited lo her part. Mr. J. 11. Calb, as Sir William flake, gave a clever interpretation of Hie characterisation, acting, naturally and well, and singing, “You Know What I Mean” in good style. The part of Mr. Creel, an eccentric tourist, gave Mr. J. A. Nicol ample scope for his talent, and ho helped largely to

contribute to the humor of the piece, while. Miss G. Davidson as his wife, was,suitably cast. Miss May Goldsmith was not given a great deal to do as Dorothy Stanley, but wluit she did do was performed in her usual finished style. Her solo “Soldiers in the Park,” wus the best number of the play, although its success was very iafgely due to the outstanding excellence of tho chorus and' military ballots, of which the dancing was the predominating feature. the bead of the banth of musicians, Mr. W. 0. Bignell was cast in a part that could not have suited him better. He did much good acting, ably supported by the other members of his band, provided some humorous interludes, and was hi excellent voice for his sole, “Sea-Gilt Land of My. Home,” which was a very line number.

No particular member of the cast was solely responsible for the success of “ A Runaway Girl.” The triumph —and it: was a triumph—was due to the excellence of .the combination, the success of one being dependent upon the work of the others. Too much cannot be said for the choruses. They were not only musical, but wei'C full of volume and life, and a treat to listen to. The invisible chorus while Winifred was leaving the convent was a masterpiece in subdued work, being pretty and most effective. The opening chorus of the second scene “Bright and Blue,” the finale of the first act, “To Venice,” the opening chorus tho second act “In Venice,” and the finale were all excellent, and demonstrated more than anything else the care and attention which had been., given to the rehearsals of the play.

Others who filled parts in the production were: Mesdamcs Smith, White, Davis, Wilcox; Misses Albrecht, Bee, Butt, M. Dalrymple, A. Edwards, K. Ellis, D. Emmerson/E. Emmerson, D. Edwards, L. Godfrey, D. Hawkins, Holmes, Hartley, E. Harris, T. Harris, N. llueston, P. Dennis, G. Hueston, P. Hennessy, D. Hcnnessy, Jones, Johns, Lotto, Luuii, Ludwig, McKenzie, McGinn, Nolan, Pitliic, J. Park, N. Park, V. Paltridge, Robinson, Raeburn, Rhodes, J. Richardson, Hill, Swinncr* ton, N. Sherriff, M. Shorriff, M. Sandlant, V. Zachariah, Y. Paltridge, M. Foster, A. Ross, B. Robinson, N. Walter; Messrs. A. Allan, R. Allan, Bucklaud, Blathwayt, Davidson, File, Gardner, Heyworth, Horne, Hill, Johns, MacClure, McKinnon, Mitchell, Richardson, Truman, Watkins, Wildish, Davys, and Hueston.

The members of the orchestra, for whom too much cannot be said, were: Mrs. Mainland Foster, piano; Messrs. J. Vita arid C. Murgoliouth, violins; Mr. F. B. Palairet, viola; Mr. Johnstone, flute; Messrs Jas. Ghrisp and M. V. Bell, cornets; Mr. Patterson, trombone; Mr. J. Si Rutherford, second violin; Messrs. Marsicano and F. Wise, ’cellos; Mr. G. Broom, bass; Mr. W. Ghrisp, clarinet; Mr. 11. A. Barton, saxophone; and Mr. E. R. jßaldrcy, drums, etc.

Special credit is also due to the energetic staff at the back of the stage, the manner in which their many duties wore carried out helping greatly in the smooth running. of tho production. Tito effect of the scenery, for which Mr. G. Johns was entirely responsible, and of the lighting were also important contributory factors towards the success, while the activities of the energetic secretary, Mr. G. G. Bayliss, and his committee are deserving of- the highest commendation. No detail appears to have been overlooked to ensure the success of the production, and those responsible must 1 feel more than a modicum of pride at the results which their efforts have achieved.

“A Runaway Girl” will be produced each night this week, when further successes are assured. The box plan is open at Miller’s corner, and, in view of the heavy demand for seats it is advisable to make early reservations.