“SAN TOY”

Southland Times, Issue 25341, 20 July 1935, Page 6

“SAN TOY”

FINAL PRESENTATION. ENTHUSIASTIC FAREWELL. Amid enthusiastic scenes, in which the stage was transformed into a veritable fairyland, with streamers, bouquets and gifts predominating, the musical comedy “San Toy,” played by the Invercargill Operatic and Dramatic Society, was fittingly farewelled at the Civic Theatre last evening. The final curtain was the signal for a spontaneous burst of streamer throwing and gift distributing, and later the president of the society, Mr J. D. Campbell, appeared on the stage and thanked all who had assisted in the production and support of the comedy. He referred to the fact of “San Toy’’ being the 11th production of the society in ten years of successes. The society owed its thanks particularly to Mr Howard Moody (musical director) and the orchestra; to Mrs A. E. H. Bath, who for ten years had given her support; Mr A. Sutherland, stage manager; Mr G. M Corbett, financial manager and one of the builders of the dragons in the performance, Mrs Mcllwraith, wardrobe mistress; Miss Flaus, ballet mistress, and all others, both performers and public for their generous support. Finally he called upon the producer, Mr J. J. W. Pollard, who had played such an important part in the success of the production. . Mr Pollard, who was received with applause, also returned thanks for the support accorded “San Toy” and complimented the players on their success. He singled out Mrs N. R. Henderson (San Toy) and Mr C. Paine (comedian) for outstanding performances and said that Mrs Henderson’s San Toy was one which very few amateurs in the world would be able to equal. (Applause.) Mr Pollard also referred to the society’s next production,. “New Moon,” and prophesied that with the experienced gained by Mr Paine in the present production and the experience of Mrs Henderson the success of “New Moon” should be assured. It was a big production and would be an expensive one, but he knew the public of Invercargill would support the society. With the next production the society were taking an unusual step. All of the scenery would have to be imported from Australia, but they hoped to excel anything they had previously presented. At last evening’s performance practically every seat in the theatre was occupied. The audience was an enthusiastic one, and public and performers alike enjoyed the music and comedy.