IRISH MUSICAL PLAY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20453, 5 November 1934, Page 3

IRISH MUSICAL PLAY.

Catholic Drama Society’s “ Kathleen Aroon.” Popular Irish songs are skilfully woven into the story of “ Kathleen Aroon,” a delightful musical play, which was presented by members of the Catholic Drama Society at the Radiant Hall on Saturday evening. All of them were well sung by various members of the cast, and the combination of the singing with a story full of typical Irish humour, and a charming romance, made the production an outstanding one. “ Kathleen Aroon ” was written by Cecil Clark, an Australian, in 11*28, and although it has a traditional plot, and such characters as the squire’s nephew, the daughter of a humble farmer, English tourists, and several Irishmen with nimble wits and persuasive tongues, it is full of charm. Despite the frequent musical interludes, the writer has preserved a discriminating continuity, and all the songs came before the audience as an integral part of the play. They included such old favourites as “ The Dear Little Shamrock,” ” She is Far from the Land,” •• Pride of Petravah.” and ” Phil the Fluter’s Ball,” and every one had an enthusiastic reception from the audience. A well-chosen cast did full justice to both the story and songs of this romance in Kerry Glen, and the settings were in keeping with the Irish atmosphere. Miss Eunice James and .Mr Ralph Dunne made an appealing couple as Ellen O’Toole and her husband Thady, the humble farmer. The part of their daughter, the winsome Kathleen Aroon,, whose romance with the squire’s nephew plays an important part in the production, was delightfully acted by Miss l’eg Gillooly. Two line character parts were those of Richard Fenmore. squire of Roselyn Towers, and Millicent. his wife, which were skilfully played by Mr A. L. Curry and Miss Maisie Ktlkelly. Miss Kilkelly’s singing of ” Love’s Old Sweet Song ” was a feature of the evening. '* Kathleen Aroon ” is rich in humour, and some rollicking comedy was provided by Mr Tom Tobin, as Shaun Daly, the handy man, Mr Jack Darragh, as a foppish English journalist, and Messrs I»an Foley and Joe M’Olinchy, as Michael Lafferty, a wandering singer, and Phil Donovan, an Irish guide. Mr Foley’s fine voice was heard to effect in several numbers, including “ The Dear Little Shamrock,” and “Pride of Petravah,” while his duet with Mr M’Glinchy, “ Phil the Fluter’s Ball.” was the hit of the evening. Mr Carberry Bundle was the hero of “Kathleen Aroon,” and his performance was a satisfying one. Other parts were filled by Miss Esme Browne, as Harriet Fleming, a tourist, Thelma Cusack, a maid, and Lilian Haughey, as Mollv, who was in love with Michael. Dances by the pupils of Miss Muriel Waugh, a solo tap dance by Miss Browne, and the playing of a full orchestra under the capable direction of Mr FT. G. Glavsher, were features of a