“Jane.”

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 5244, 9 April 1908, Page 2

“Jane.”

The popularity of tho Waipawa Dramatic Club waH demonstrated last night when a crowded audience greoted the performers. Considering that the majority of the actors were making their first bow to the public, it must be admitted that a very raoritorious representation of the oomedy was given, and this verdict was endorsed by the laughter and frequent applause of those presont. The oomedy went with a swing from start to finish and there was not a hitch throughout. The play, was well staged aud dressed, and it was evident that great care had been shown in these respects. The lighting of the stage by acetylene gas also enhanced the effect and helped to form a very pretty picture. The stage direotor, Mr R. J. Pollow, deserves every credit for the manner in which the play was produced, and his labours were quickly reooguieed by those in front. After the overture, which was well played by the Orcheatral Society, the curtaiu rose upon a tasteful scene prepared by Mr C. Nash, Jnr., and the oomedy was set upon its course. The name part was taken by Miss Bright, who scored an immodiate and pronounced success, for she displayed considerable histrionic ability. Her acting was bright, natural and vivaoious and she did not display any of that stage nervousness which is so often incidental to a first appearance. She entered with humour into the various complications that ensue and oontributed in no small degree to the success of the representation. Miss Corakie, as Mrs Chadwick, gave a clever delineation of the old woman who was ready to become Mrs Shaokloton at a moment’s notioe aud was dear and incisive. She spoko her lines clearly and her by-play was appropriate and amusing. Mrs Pixton found a first class representative in Miss Eccleton, who created great amusement by her insistent demands fer her child and the unceremonious manner in which she treated Pixton. Her make-up was good and she held the attention of the audience when on the stage. Lucy Norton is a oharaotor taat does not afford its delineator much scope for acting but Miss Furness looked the part and availed herself of the opportunities offered. Amongst the male characters the bulk of the work falls upon the shoulders of Charley Shackleton, whose impersonator, Mr Rhind, made a very successful first appearance. He was quietly effective, spoke his hue with due emphasis and gave a good representation of the character. He is a decided acquisi tion to the club. Mr Peters was quite at homo as Mr Kershaw and worked out his delineation of the part in an arnusiug mauuer aud to tho satisfaction of the audience. It was a sound piece of oharaotor acting. Mr Whittington, as William Ti pßo n, fulfilled the requirements of the character, while Mr E. Brewer brought down the house on several occasions by a clever and mirth provoking rendering of Claudo. Mr J. N. Barrie was amusing as Mr PixtoD, his mild manner serving as an admirable foil to his more boisterous wife. Tho performers received a hearty call at the oud of each act. The Orchestral Society lent valuable assistance and helped in a great manqer towards the enjoyment of the evening. Their playing was marked by precision and effect and a good volume of sound was produced. The orchestra consisted of oouductor, Mr M. Murray ; pianist, Miss M. Moroney ; Ist violins’ Messrs E. E. O’Halloran and W. J. Pellow ; 2nd violins, Messrs G King and Johnson ; cornet, Mr J. Golder ; flute, Mr Bird \ ’cello, Mr F. J. Shauly; tenor horn, Mr A. O’Halloran ; euphonium, Mr J no. Cosgrove. The selections played were:—“Merry Widow” (waltz), “ Barn Dance ” and “ True Love ” (waltz).

After the performance an informal supper was held on the stage, when an enjoyable hour was spent in song and story. A few toasts were duly honored and it was decided to give another performance at no distant date, when “ The Two Roses ” will be staged.