"IOLANTHE."

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 January 1902, Page 2

"IOLANTHE."

FINE PERFORMANCE BY RANGITIKEI OPERATIC SOCIETY. (By Our Special Reporter.) The Rangitikei Musical and Operatic So- j ciety, by arrangement with Messrs Williamson and Musgrove, staged that fascin- j ating and ever-fresh opera "lolanthe, or the Peer and the Peri" at the Bulls Town Hall on Tuesday; December 31st. The piece, which was a fitting close to the dying hours of the old year, went with remarkable smoothness from the rise to the fall of the curtain, and certainly reflected the greatest credit upon the conductor, Mr J. 6. Wilson, who had nothing but raw material to begin hfs task with. Not only did he conduct, but he rendered invaluable service to the parts with. his fine voice. His son, Mr R. A. Wilson,1 filled the role of "Lord Chancellor," and presented a thoroughly ..meritorious conception of his part. He was heard to special advantage in her patter song and in.the trie with "Earl of Mountararat" anoV'Eaii Tolloller," which parts were capitally pourtrayed by Messrsi A. MoKenzie and E. M. Broughton. Although the latter player appeared somewhat nervous at the start, he wanned up to his part in fine style as the performance went? on, and had' to respond to undeniable calls for "encore." "Strephon's" part was in the hands of Mr A.-Amon, who spoke his words " somewhat too quickly and seemed rather shy in the love-making to the charming "Phyllis." The latter part was allotted to Miss Kilgour, and right well did she fill it, both in acting and singing. Miss E. Maginnity, as "Queen of the Fairies," fairly captivated the house with her fine singing and majestic appearance. Miss Taylor, as "lolanthe," made her first appearance, and in her the Society possesses a real gem, her •fine, sweet young voice being heard to advantage in her solo in the second act, which was loudly encored and graciously responded to. The fairies "Leila," "Celia," and "Fleta" were represented by Misses Broughton, McDonagn, and Clark, who made the most of their parts. They were especially pleasing in their commands to the earls and dukes to "stay; don't go." Mrs Herbert, made a very efficient, pi&niste, and was ably assisted by the flautist and cometist. 'The scenic artist was Mr White, who is to be congratulated upon the success of his efforts. The house was a record one for Bulls, and the large and fashionable audience left for their homes shortly after 11, delighted with the plear sant evening spent. We feel convinced thathad the Society repeated the performance on New Year's Night they would have excelled themselves and have been rewarded with even as bigger "house" than on the previous evening.