CLEVERLY STAGED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 233, 1 October 1929, Page 8

CLEVERLY STAGED

“PIRATES OF PENZANCE ’ SOCIETY’S FAITH REWARDED Light Opera That Has Lived For Fifty Years. When it ws s suggested that the Wanganui Amateur Musical and Dramatic bociety should undertake the production, of Gilbert and Sullivan’s light opera “The Pirates of Penzance” it was realised that something above the ordinary in stage eraft would be required if the success desired was to materialise. It was a stupendous feat ±or amateurs, but the society had infinite faith Ju the chosen cast t 0 rise to the occasion and sufficient confidence in the public of Wanganui to know that support in keeping with that faith would be accorded the enterprise. When the curtain rose on the initial performance last night and as the operatic comedy that has 'lived half a century and still holds a wealth of appeal, was portrayed in a style worthy of the hall markjif professionalism, better in some respects, it was abundantly clear that the society’s faith had been well based. The Cast. Frederick (Pirate .Apprentice) „ ’ Mr Hubert Carter Sergeant of Police .. Mr Hamon Cook Major-General Stanley .. Mr J. Pawson The Pirate King .. Mr Frank Thomas Samuel (his Lieut.) ~ Mr N. L. Hyler Miss Julie Werry ffiith .. .. Miss Eileen Anderson ; £a , te ,Mrs Earl Wills 1 *• “ •• Miss Lee Swan Ruth (Pirate maid) . Mrs Leo Campion Gilbert and Sullivan’s 11 Pirates of Penzance” makes heavy demands upon the vocal ability of the cast. The principals are charged with responsibilities above the ordinary. The operatic trend of the piece heightens the necessity of moulding a east which can adopt themselves readily to an exacting musical score. The society is fortunate, under such circumstances, in being able to rely upon one so well versed in stage craft as Mr Hubert Carter. His beautiful tenor voice, natural acting and pleasing interpretation of the part of ‘‘Frederick,” the ‘‘Poor Wandering. One” who wa s apprenticed to a pirate instead of a pilot, makes the show. Mrs Leo Campion Miss Julie Werry, Mr N. L. Tyler, Mr Frank Thomas, Mr Jim Pawson and Mr Harison Cook, playing the principal roles , support Mr Carter well and the whole production is a credit to the producer (Mr Harison Cook) and the cast. First night hitches were few and, with full confidence, the performers may look forward to a successful season. The piece opens on a rugged Cornish shore in a typical Pirates’ den. Such a place would not be worthy of the name if there was. no strong drink and it was fitting that the opening chorus should bespeak of wine and that tho tankards 'should be filled to the brim. Warlike Pirates to the life, a stirring chorus, and then the song of the Pirate King. Mr Frank Thomas filled this role well. His voice gave colour to tho part. Well and truly named was he, “The Pirate King” and the black flag, with its skull and cross-bones, was a bold emblem wherewith to flaunt the world.

The part of ‘‘Samuel” the King’s right hand man was played by Mr N. L. Tyler. He had the bloodthirsty visions of a true Pirate and a loyal lieutenant. His voice and actions suited tho role.

Mrs Leo Campion was entrusted with the role of ‘‘Ruth,” the Pirate Maid. She loved young “Frederick” and in the dramatic scene in which he denounces her as a “False One” her rich contralto voice blended pleasingly in the duet. She pleads with a realism which merited the approbation it gained.

To Miss Julie Werry has fallen the difficult part of “Mabel” who of all the band of girls arriving on that Pirate short?, was willing to take young Frederick for what he was. Her singing made great demands upon her talent and she responded with characteristic artistry. Her rendering of the song “Poor Wandering One,” was a difficult task well done.

“Major General Stanley” was played by Mr Jim Pawson who gave a svmpathetic rendering of the part. 'Mr Harison Cook, as the leader of the Police, had the deep toned bass voice one would associate’ with a person charged with keeping the peace for t’|e good old Queer. He and his chorus imparted rippling laughter. The chorus work blended pleasingly, and under the baton of the musical director, Mr 'Gordon Mcßeth, if was a credit to the society. ‘‘Hail Poetry*’ was skilfully handled

The scenes were painted in realistic, fashion by Mr R. Howell and it was not to be wondered at that applause greeted th? rising of the curtain in both acts, more particularly the second, when a nice blend of lights and scenery was revealed. Mr A. Gaskin was responsible for the lighting effects.

Mr Gordon Mcßeth’s baton directed the orchestra and he may take credit for a further success to an already long list built up during his association with the society as its musical director.

The curtain fell leaving the audience proud of the fact that past performances had been fully lived up to and that a more difficult and ambitious undertaking had been shouldered with outstanding skill. The season will be continued for a further four nights.