WAITARA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16894, 16 November 1920, Page 3

WAITARA.

?Eol| OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. November 16.—For the past month or two rehearsals have been taking place for the operetta, “Princess Chrysanthemum.” The town has been silted tor talent, and last night the publioHiad an opportunity of seeing and hearing what can be done by local talent under professional and semi-professional guiding hands. The Theatre Royal was packed to the last seat and the temper of those present was demonstrated at the start, oven the opening instrumental overture meeting with a hearty round of applause. Tile operetta itself is nob particularly exciting, and has to rely for success entirely upon the manner in which it is staged and carried through —more so than other works of this class. From the beginning to the end there was not a hitch, and few would have thought it possible to have produced the operetta in such a manner, the caste and chorus being entirely local. True, they have had the advantage of lengthy and good training by “old hands,” and the outcome has been an unqualified success. Altogether there were about 50 performers, the caste being Emperor, Mrs. Ling; Princess Chrysanthemum, Miss Bujlot; Prince So Shi. Miss Kempsall j Prince So Tru, Miss Foster; Court Chamberlain, Miss Dugdale ■ Fairy Moonbeam, Miss Westerman; To-To, Miss Chadwick; To-Lip, Miss Jupp; Du-Du, Miss Nichson; YumYum, Miss Bouse; Saucer Eyes, Master Westerman. Opinions are sure to differ as tq the respective merits of the soloists. ' The voices of some are more matured than others; but all had evidently benefitted from the month or two of training that they had received, while the enunciation was particularly good throughout, and this was also noticeable in the chrouses. The orchestra was quite good. I, understand that there was difficulty in finding the essential bass until by a happy inspiration an American organ was requisitioned and the bass supplied by using the sub-bass stop. It was most effective and served the purpose ns well as if a “grand* father” had boon available. The dresses were splendid. The Emperor, for instance, was gorgeous in scarlet and gold, while the Princesses were a study ui Eastern art. The fairy “Moonbeam,” with her nymphs, formed one of* the prettiest scenes, hut it is difficult to do justice to" one without doing an injustice to all, for without exception the performance was good throughout. The dresses were channing and the staging and general management left nothing to be desired. There were no tiresome waits between the scenes and from beginning to cud it went off with a dash.

The Rev. Gordon Gavin, during a short interval, announced that half the profits of the entertainment would bo given to the Soldiers and Civilians’ Club. All will endorse his praise of the work done by Messrs. Nicholls, Wester-, man and others. Mrs. Pigot undertook tho training of the dancors, Mr. Nicholls the stage management, and Miss Martin was responsible for tho music. I understand that the house realised £72 which is considered highly satisfactory, and all those responsible for the performance, and the performers themselves are to be highly complimented upon the great success that tliey have achieved.,

A social and dance is being given in tho Cilfton Hall on Thursday night, the proceeds of which will be spent on crockery and other requisites for tho Soldiers’ Club.