EXTRA PERFORMANCE

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1935, Page 5

EXTRA PERFORMANCE

“NO, NO, NANETTE” MUSICAL. . DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE. The New Plymouth Operatic Society’* musical comedy production “No, No, Nanette,” played at the Opera House for 4he past four nights, will be repeated tonight, following a decision of the controlling committee last night. The reason, announced by the chairman, Mr. John Quirk, at the conclusion of last night’s scheduled final performance, is the failure of the production to reap the expected financial rewards. Offers of reduced charges for the theatre and of free service by the stage and front of the house hands decided the committee to attempt to stabilise the financial position by the performance tonight. . In making the announcement, Mr. Quirk mentioned that it was most important for the future of the society that after a recess of three years the present show should at least not lose money, if it did not show a profit. Although the audiences had been most appreciative of the efforts of the company, their size had been smaller than, expected. He appealed to the audience to make known the company’s endeavours to hold a performance tonight. The committee’s decision resulted in an unusual position when the final curtain rang down, for bouquets and pre- ! sents were distributed for some time and the stage had all the atmosphere of a gala final performance. As far as last night’s production was concerned, the large audience, the best of the season, was kept continually interested and amused by the excellent efforts of the company. From the overture to the final curtain the play went with a snap and a swing that reflected the greatest credit on the producer, Mrs. C. Tabor-Gregory, and on the players themselves. The quick, catchy music was given full appreciation, and the gags of the libretto were fulty realised to the satisfaction of the audience. The story running through the play is of an erring husband who prints Bibles and whose wife has the wholly unexpected and somewhat incredible vein of thriftiness. The errors committed by the husband lead him into adventures with three young and attractive women who accept the presents showered on them by the publisher as manna from Heaven. They are even reluctant to admit that the gifts shall cease. The publisher is helped through the trials and troubles of marital existence by his lawyer friend, also married, and also open to a good deal of suspicion. The play, of course, ends happily, but not without the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune having, slightly wounded one or two. One of the successes of last night’s show was Sue, the humble wife, excellentlyplayed by Miss Ruth Gentles. Her characterisation throughout of the mousey, scrimping woman was splendidly done. Other • successes were scored by the three flappers, Misses Nonnie Griffiths, Dulcie Fearce and Betty List. The boxing bout between the first two was a comedy gem, and Miss List was as serenely confident and as shrewdly clever as the part demanded. Another success was Miss Gwenyfli Greenwood’s performance as the lawyer’s wife. She was suspicious, demanding, and clever in turn. The bosom pals, John Quirk and A. St. Leger Reeves, topped the comedy of the show with a marvellous dance which, if not graceful, was humorous if only because it was clumsy. Altogether different in technique was Miss Peggy Wylds, dancing was a highlight. The pallets were splendid, and the chorus was as natural as one could wish. ■; At the conclusion of the show. Mrs. Gregory thanked all who had assisted, and told the audience that the production, staged after only 66 hours of rehearsal, was a tribute to aU concerned. She particularly thanked Mr. J. Dobson for his assistance, Mr. H. E. Nodder for his stage management, and Mrs. Atkinson for the frocking of the company.