OPERA HOUSE.

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 November 1901, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE.

ATTRACTION FOR TO-MORROW NIGHT. "RIP VAN WINKLE." A prominent member of the Auckland Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, who witnessed the recent performance of "Riu Van Winkle," in criticising the opera, remarked that a« an amateur production he had not seen better in the colonies. This coming from the source it did is a sufficient guarantee that the public genera' ly will be satisfied with the performance! He further remarked, in speaking of the various characters, that the "Rip Van Winkle" of Mr. Pawson and the "Katrina" of Miss Pawson, also the "Gretchen" of Mrs. Luxford were worthy of professionals. The stage manager also came in for a deal of praise. This gives an indication of what may be anticipated in connection"witfi to-morrow evening's j performance, for not only are those above- j mentioned of the highest credit, but the : other characters are equally well filled. TJie piece is the best we have seen in Wanganui foV 'some cgnsideralbe time past, and will bear comparison with any professional company that lias lor some time pa.st visited • us. Outside the principals, the choruses are worked up in a most artistic manner, being; harmonious to a degree. Whilst, taking advantage of the large number of members of the Association, the groupings are most effectively arranged, the background being shut off to advantage, while the beautiful scenery ;ind effects are shown effectively. It it not too much to say, and we can vouch for it, t>lifttts a better amateur performance couid npt .be' w'jHjfecJ for in the colony, and therefore 'it is deserving of that warm, cordiaji ana JieaHy support 'which' will tend1 to l-e'ylc-iiwjr'ftie treasury and afford the executive those means whemvitli to produce future pieces'" of more ambitious effort than the beautiful romantic o{]>era of .'"Rip Van Wijifclo." In anticipation of Hie rush for reads', tickets should"'be; at <mcc booked1 at Messrs. IT. I. Jo,nes and tSijn'.S. Tickets are obtainable at all the principal business places in town. Children will be admitted at lialf priou.