Stage Amateurs in Hamilton

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 388, 23 June 1928, Page 24

Stage Amateurs in Hamilton

Large Attendance At Operatic Society’s Meeting MAY BECOME UNWIELDY Amateur activities have started in earnest in Hamilton, the first practice of the operatic society being held on Tuesday night. There were over 70 members present, and although it is too early in the season to predict accurately the quantity and quality of the talent coming forward, it is evident that the society will have an excess of girl performers, and possibly a dearth of males. At the meeting, at least two-thirds of those present belonged to the fair sex. Nearly every newcomer to the town is asked the question “Have you joined the Operatic?” and it seems obvious that everybody who has a voice capable of anything but making dogs bark is expected to join up and swell the already overflowing ranks. The fact that the society is in so stable a position and has proved so successful is a matter for congratulation. It shows that although recently one or two musical organisations have died a natural death, it is entirely wrong to deduce from this that the town is lacking in art and culture as far as music and drama are concerned. However, there is no doubt that the active membership of the Operatic Society is far too unwieldy, and threatens to mar the artistic presentations of the productions. One hesitates before suggesting that a kindred society should be formed, but those responsible for the direction of the forthcoming opera would be well advised to dispense with a chorus, which, when mustered on the inadequate stage which has to serve even the most expensive touring companies, IOOU3 like an annual boy scouts’ convention. Were Hamilton a township with a population of not more than 5,000, the attitude taken that every family should be represented in the Operatic Society could be readily understood. If free lists were entirely suspended, it follows that those members of the family not performing would visit the show to see sister or brother, even if sister's and brother’s contribution to the play were the pronouncement of the words “Dinner is served, sir.” And the finances of the society in question could not go wrong. Hamilton is a town of over 17,000 inhabitants, with a diversity of talent, however hidden it may be. It is disappointing to see one society attracting many whose abilities are worthy of more prominent a place than chorus girl and “gentleman of the ensemble.” An extension of the pioneering effort in the field of the cinema, made a couple of months ago, would be preferable. Whatever the course amateur activities are likely to take, at present there is no slackening of interest among those who will actually appear on the boards when the opera is presented some time in November next. The choice of “High Jinks” could be a good deal worse, and indeed the selection shows that the society, while ambitious, recognises its limitations, and does not strive for an extravaganza impossible for successful production outside the professional stage. “High Jinks” was first produced before the war. but like “The Belle of New York.” and other popular comic operas, the music is decidedly captivating. It contains several gems which are hummed everywhere when the weekly American fox-trots are long forgotten. Practices will take place each week until two months’ time, when several nights a week will be earmarked for rehearsals.

Many people who remember Maude Beatty, the sister of May. who is at present appearing in “The Girl Friend” in Melbourne, have inquired as to the whereabouts of the Australian who was so popular with playgoers some years ago. May Beatty says that her sister married Mr. Sydney Hordern. They are resident in the Argentine, where Mr. Hordern has a big pastoral property. “Maude wrote me recently that she was looking forward to a visit to Australia,” said Miss Beatty, “and she sent kindest remembrances to friends on and off the stage.”

Otis Skinner, the celebrated American stage and film actor, will arrive in Australia next month to act “The Honour of the Family.” His daughter, Cornelia Otis Skinner, will go along with him.