AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 22, 26 September 1913, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

“A COUNTRY GIRL.” A BRILLIANT PRODUCTION. There was a packed house at the Town Hall last night to witness thv performance of "A Country Girl ’ by the -New Plymouth Operatic Society, ilie performance went without a hitch, all the performers, principals and chorus alike, showing a familiarity with their work which went a long way in assuring the success of the piece. The orchestra was also a pleas, mg feature, producing a nicely balanced volume of sound, the ensembh of chorus and orchestra being very lino indeed. The scenery was not made a special feature, but the twr scenes in which the whole action took place—a Devonshire landscape and the interior of the Ministry of Fine Arts were good. The dressing was, as might' he supposed, on an elaborate scale. The ladies’ Devonshire dresses in the first act made a pretty effect, and in the second act the men in Court dress and the ladies in various up-to-date styles of evening dress pre sent eel a fine stage picture. Tin prevailing.exaggerated modes we're h evidence, and were well parodied h; Barry, who, dressed as am elder!; lady, caused much merriment' with ; lattice effect on his skirt, hacked h, a very white cotton stocking. Th hallcrino were very little below pro fessional standard, and their ballet including some striking effects, wa neatly and gracefully gone through. Mr W. Haslara was a decidei success as Geoffrey Challoncr, actin, naturally throughout. Ho renderei “The Sailor’s Life,” a song with :

catching lilt, in good stylo, aild ho als sliowcd to advantage in “Boy ant Girl,” sung with Miss Alive Buck matin. The Rajah of Bhong is : good musical comedy character, am was done full justice to by Mr W. J Smith, who got every ounce of weigh out of his two songs “The Rajah o Bhong” and “Peace, Peace.’.’ To tlv latter were added a few verses of loca allusion. His declaration that if Bii Barlow were in Bhong and asked hit; (the Rajah) about his light, he (Bill would he burnt in benzine, was, rathe uncharitably, loudly applauded. Th Rajah also assured thp.se who failc* to put money in the oil industry tha they would “miss the bus.” Sundm small uiale parte were taken by Mossr E. 8, Bayly, jpjison, W. Broome, A MacHiarmid, X, Parker, A. G. .Ten nings, Mitchell “aMd Laegar. • "Th broad comedy, in the hands o,f M A,, Gray, wljo. ha/^jtJie part «pf . the naval body-servant of His first item, “Yo-Ho Little Girls,’ went with a fine swing, and the a< ccmpanying dance was well executed Tiie dancing was also a feature of hi duet with Miss V. Gilbert, “Tw Clucks’ D\iet,(4the sampjporfor mors also crestc(|||i,|good in “Quarrelling, *mhe dance nit which was novel. ' IVfr Gray*-disguise as a female, was also good] ip ‘‘Whei I was a Girl,” Ids local allusions be ing especially appreciated. He made also, a number of local allusions h the course of a speech, all of whic were happy and humorous. Mis Olive Puckman(Marjory Joy) did he singing nicely and her acting was alt good. Her solo, “Coo” has a eatel ing melody and her singing in her due' with Mr Haslam was excellent. A the Princess of Bhong Miss Ethe Buckman carried herself well, singin pleasantly and acting with the necc snry vigour. Her solo, “Under th Deodar,” gave full scope for her abili ties, and she also showed up well ii the concerted numbers. Madam Sophie, the dressmaker who forces ho way into society, was ably pourtrayec by Miss V. Gilbert, .whose chic figur accorded well with lie] 1 snappy act ing and singing and novel and grace ful dancing. Her solo “My Partners.' was excellently given, and her ducts with Barry were especially pleasing As Xan, Mrs Hell acquitted herse 1 very creditably, singing her two solos “Try Again, Johnnie” and “Mollv th Marchioness,” with much vim. Mine female parts were creditably filled lr Misses I). Bedford, X 7. Tiplady, H Gilbert, O’Brien, Wisham. Jones am M. Gilbert. Encores were the orcle of the evening, all the principals helm honoured with recalls

HIS MAJESTY’S PICTURES. Last night’s change of pictures em braced all the leading makers of tl: world. There is no doubt about tie new picture combine being up-to-dut in their selections. The star feature entitled “The Han in the Whitt Cloak,” is a most sensational dramatk version of the vanished hand. “Unde the Make Up” is a new scenario play ed by the famous Vitagraph Co., and gives a fine insight into the profession, the trials and tribulations of an actors life. The Pathe Gazette is a' usual, full of interesting subjects, de picting the great devastation eausec by the lia I lean war fiends. “Sagi Crowing in Horneo,” is a delightfn educational film, showing the industr’ from start to finish. The comics arc of the host, headed by the A.H. soronm'er “A Daylight liurglar.” To-mor-row (Saturday') at 2.J0, tlie first of (lie big afternoon Essay performance will commence, when the essays will be judged, and prizes ranging from •> to Ids Gel will he presented to the successful competitors. The names of tin 1 winners will appear in the Stratford Post.