GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18552, 26 April 1930, Page 2

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT.

SECOND PRESENTATION. A capacity house filled the Theatre Royal for the second night of the concert given by the pupils of the Girls’ High School. All the little edges invariably in evidence in first night performances were eliminated, and the whole production was thoroughly enjoyed by a very large audience. The final number, “ The Wedding of the Painted Doll,” was a notable production in tuneful singing, colour blending and spectacular display. It was handsomely costumed, charmingly grouped and effectively acted; indeed the background of the mascot school dressed to represent a gradation of brilliant colour, was most effective. The outstanding elocutionary item was a domestic scene from the court of Henry VIII. Both girls gave clever impersonations and showed nice appreciation of the telling points of the dialogue. The opening item, a playette based on the story of Cinderella, was fairly well-produced, except that the whole movement was far too slow, which made an otherwise creditable effort, drag very much. The dancing was again up to a high standard, while the drill was performed with easy grace and precision. An outstanding feature was the singing of the massed school, but it is rather inviting invidious comparison for a small group of girls to attempt to sing negro spirituals, particularly the wellknown plantation songs which require not only intense religious fervour, but as a melodic foundation, the rolling bass which negro singers can provide with such wonderful effect and finish. Special mention should be made of the work of the orchestra, which contributed in such a large measure to the success of the concert. Every item of the programme was, if anything, more appreciatively received than on the first night, and the concert from curtain to curtain was most enjoyable. Generally speaking encores were not permitted, but one or two numbers were regarded as exceptions to the rule, while the tumult of applause which greeted the fall of the curtain at the conclusion of the production of “The Wedding of the Painted Doll,” did not subside until the curtain rose for an encore.