AMATEURS SCORE

Southland Times, Issue 20615, 13 October 1928, Page 8

AMATEURS SCORE

GORE OPERATIC SOCIETY FIRST PRODUCTION STAGED “PEARL THE FISHERMAIDEN” The Gore Amateur Operatic Society gave its first performance in the Princess Theatre last evening when the • operetta “Pearl the Fishermaiden” was staged before a large and enthusiastic audience. With the knowledge thr.t the society had not been long in existence too much could not be expected of its initial production and probably the great majority of those who attended it were prepared to make a liberal allowance for any shortcomings. In this, however, the society furnished a pleasant surprise for while there was undoubtedly room for improvement in some directions it is quite safe to say that taken as a whole the production far exceeded expectations. Possibly this was in some measure due to the fact that “Pearl the Fishermaiden” is an operetta which gives plenty of scope for good chorus singing and for the introduction of attractive ballets, while not casting too heavy a burden upon any individual member. The selection of a comparatively simple piece was a wise one as it enabled those who occupied the principal roles to carry their parts through with confidence. Although most of them were new to this class of work they acquitted themselves well, but in one or two instances the characters would have been more effectively portrayed had those taking them been a little lees stilted in their movements. The title role was taken by Miss May Inder who made a charming heroine, her movements being both graceful and natural. A slightly stronger voice would, however, have been of great assistance to her, particularly in her solo work. As Lorenzo Mr. E. Ottrey did well and his singing was very effective. He did not display the freedom and swagger usually associated with a brigand chief. Mrs H. Hazlett, as Dame Whelk, and Mr. O. G. Thompson as Daddy Whelk, were effective, but at times the latter failed to show the infirmities of old age. Mr. J. Lenihan took the part of King Alphonso and did so excellently. Mr. H. H. Brown raised many a laugh as Limerickus and was deservedly popular. The minor roles were filled by Miss Vera Johnston as Fillert, Mr. M. Cronin, as Petuiach Mr N. W. Hilton, as Chancellor, and Miss Forest Hinchey as Mistress of the Bedchamber. A pleasing feature of the production was the good chorus singing and the arrangement of the tableaux. The introduction of a number of ballets also added considerably to the success of the operetta and these were admirably arranged under the direction of Mrs W. D. Shelton. The members of the ballet were: Misses Daisy Mcßae, Hazel Murray, Edna Wilson May Wilkins, Roma Scott, Ethel Wilson, Elsie Collier, and Peggy Crawford. The chorus was well supported by an orchestra with Miss M. Johnston as accompanist. The success of the musical part of the production was due to the efforts of the musical director, Mr. G. F. Mirams, while to the producer, Mr. Clem Hill, 8.A., a tribute has to be paid for the effective arrangement of the various scenes. Mr. G. Ing acted as stage manager and Mr. H. Robertson was in charge of the lighting effects. Mr. W. D. Shelton, president, took the opportunity of thanking the public for so generously supporting the society on the occasion of its first production. The performance will be repeated this evening.