“A RUNAWAY GIRL.”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16871, 28 October 1925, Page 11

“A RUNAWAY GIRL.”

GISBORNE AMATEURS’ SUCCESS. ' A BRIGHT PERFORMANCE. The record of tlm Gisborne Amateur Operatic Society is such that those who go to their productions expect a high standard of artistry, combined with the most novel effects which could he introduced. Those who witnessed the second performance of “A Runaway Girl,” given in the Opera House last evening, were by no means disappointed, for the talented performers gave a presentation that would have done credit to many professional companies. From first t-o last the sparkling musical comedy went with a swing, the audience being so enthusiastic as to demand numerous recalls in the various numbers.

In the past the society has had some difficulty in obtaining the necessary voices tor the chorus work, which has at times been weak. It is safe to say that never before in the history of the society lias the chorus work been so strong as it is in the present production, for not only do the voices blend in the most harmonious manner, but the volume is also entirely sufficient. The invisible chorus was particularly effective, the subdued work being extremely well done. It can indeed he said that the brilliant success achieved by the society in its present production is due not entirely to the leading ladies and gentlemen, hut also in great part to the well-trained chorus and those who hold but minor parts in the story.

From the time the curtain rose there was not one dull moment, the play throughout being characterised by sparkling humor, bright music, and vivacious choruses. The performers were evidently well into their stride, for it was difficult to imagine that one was watching an amateur production. It cannot be gainsaid that the scenery, the work of a local artist, Mr T. G. Johns, added greatly to the play, and the costuming, lighting, and scenery made the complete ensemble wffich so thoroughly captivated the audience. The producer, the musical director, . and those generally responsible for the excellent production are deserving of the very greatest credit for the manner in which they have trained the performers, the orchestra itself being well worth hearing. Despite the unfavorable weather there was another crowded house, and it is apparent that throughout the week the bright comedy will continue to draw packed houses. Like the majority of musical comedies, there is not a great deal in the story of the play, hut it. is .tuneful -music and I lie novel songs which make for I lie success of flic piece. Winifred Gray. I lie heroine, learns that her guardians have, arranged a, marriage for her ivilh a cousin she has never seen. She, therefore, runs away with a band of gypsies. Her guardians, Lord and Lady U'oodle, make a search for her, hut she is eventually found by the cousin, who not knowing her identity falls in love with her. The unravelling of the plot is accomplished with many bright situations, which cause much amusement.

Miss Inez, Bigg as' Wiiiifml>agnin scored a big, success, bor solo work being particularly line. Her duet with Guv was 'one of the most charming numbers in the whole of the play. Mr Harre, who took the part of Guy. was well cast, and carried bis part through in his usual finished manner. , Miss Edna Jolinek made an admirable Garment ta, while Mr W. J. Sinclair as Brother Tamarind made much of the humor of the piece. Mr A. Zachuriah, without whom no local amateur opera would seem complete, handled in typical manner the many humorous situations for which he was responsible, while Mrs Bowie, as Alice, Lady Goodie's maid, carried out her part to perfection, and greatly enlivened the play. Mrs Clements, as Lady Coodle. and Mr St. Clair Keogh as Lord Goodie, both carried out their parts in a very capable manner, Lady Coodle acting the part of the arisciblc aunt to perfection. Miss May Goldsmith, as Dorothy. Stanley, and Miss G. Davidson as Mrs Creel, both handled their parts well. Many of the scenes in which the flower girls were shown were dainty in the extreme, and the production savored very much of the professional, so well were the various sections carried out. The scene-shifters, without whom no play could possibly be a success, carried out their work in a most expeditious manner, there being none of those vexatious delays which so often accompany amateur productions. “A Runaway Girl” will be shown again this evening, and for the remainder of the week.