"THE GEISHA"

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 277, 27 November 1935, Page 9

"THE GEISHA"

A PLEASING MUSICAL PLAY MEMORIES OF THE PAST ITS SENTIMENTAL APPEAL if fur no other reason than that it was played by Wanganui Amateurs back in 1913 “The Geisha” should make wide appeal. A collection ut photographs of the principals in the cast that year, which is being shown in the D.I.C. window, has awakened old memories. The late Kathleen Wood, the late George Swan, the late Alan Hogg —those are three names which come to memory and look out from “The Geisha” of the past. Mr. Cecil Wray was chairman of the Wanganui 1 Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society’s executive in those days. The late Mr Louis Cohen conducted the orchestra. Miss Wood played the part which Alexia Itankin is taking to-day, “O Mimosa San,” Cecil Wray was “The Marquis Ismari,” the part being played by Will Hastings in tonight’s production. These memories are recalled for the reason that “The Geisha,” which has been very much brought up to date since then, is being played by a cast which will strive to live up to the wonderful standard set by those who played in 1913. There will be something of the same atmosphere about the current season of “The Geisha’’ as there was about the llugby football' match at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, c«n Saturday last, when a young team of All Blacks strove and succeeded to live up to the example of the team of 1905. The same will apply at the Opera House to-night, to-morrow night, and on Friday and Saturday. Following is the cast: — THE CAST O Kiku Sn . . Norma Holmes O Hana San Thelma Bergen (> Kinkoto San .. .. Jean Harman O Komurasaki San . Leslie Hall Wun HiF. O. Bridgeman Dick Sunninghamß. Nelson George Crimston . . F. Killeen Arthur CuddyE. K. Cameron Tommy Standby Noel Lewis Reginald Fairfax J- Pawson Naim (Wave of the Sea) .. .. Nancy Hales Juliette DiamantJoan Broad The Marquis ImariW. Hastings Takamine . L Broad Lady Constance Wynne .. .. G. Lovegrove Miss Ethel HurstD. Drew Miss Marie Worthington . . H. Bassett-Smith Miss Mabel Grant . - . . .. E. Bassett-Smith O Mimosa San ~ .. L. Rankin Captain KatanaJ. M. Linaker Molly Seamore M. Spurdie Oyucha .. K. Takarangi The plans are at the D.I.C. and everybody should make a point on reserving. Children, with escorts, will be admitted to any part of the house for sixpence to-night. Election progiess will be reported to the audience from time to time, and, after the show is over there will be time to join in the fun in the streets.