“THE GEISHA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 280, 29 November 1935, Page 9

“THE GEISHA

THE IDEAL MUSICAL COMEDY TWO MORE NIGHTS TO SHOW “TEA-HOOSK OF TEN THOUSAND JOYS” “The Geisha” was presented again last night at .the Opera House to a happy and appreciative audience by • the charming cast selected by the Wanganui Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society. The musical numbers of “The Geisha” are outstanding. Every character in the play, every lino ana every note of music has been conceived with the story and its climax in view. Not a line and not a note is wasted. The principals, chorus, ballets and all connected with the production acquitted themselves well again last night. Probably the three musleai numbers which made the most lasting impression were “The Amorous Goldfish,” “If You’ll Come .to Tea” and “The Kissing.” “The Amorous Goldfish” is an ideal musical comedy number and its delightful orchestration is in itself outstanding, tho flute and clarionette parts maintaining the lovable and appealing sequence of the play with admirable blend. It almost seems as if the sweet notes whisper the love words of tho East in all their mystic allure. Air. Gordon Mcßeth, the musical director, has undoubtedly scored a triumph in this play. True, it is a work which has made his task a happy one, and the response ho has obtained from principals, chorus aid orchestra has been conducive to that happiness, but the musical side of such a production is one which requires a great deal of skill and understanding. With the co-operation of Mr. H. J. Trussell’s orchestra Air. Mcßeth has been able to call upon just that finish so essential in the orchestral side of the work. On the opening night, and again last night, the orchestra was widely complimented on its performance.

“The Geisha” is a pretty love story set in old Japan, amid the scent of cherry blossom and the petals of wisteria. Mr. Bob Howell has'caught the right atmosphere and displayed it so realistically as to make the scenery side of the play outstanding. Everybody who has seen the production has stressed how pretty and telling the scenes have been. Mr. F. O. Bridgeman has found a very appropriate part in that of “Wun Hi,” the rather lovable Chinaman, who slips into the picture at odd moments with odd ideas, most of them laughingly human from a Chinaman’s point of view and all of them directed surely towards an end in keeping with Oriental shrewdness. “O Mimosa San,” who is “the Pride of All Japan,” tells her plaintive story through Alexia Rankin. And it is told with becoming grace and charm. Mrs. Rankin has a sweet voice, and a pleasing stage expression. As the “Jewel of Asia” she adapts herself splendidly to the play. The w'hole cast has a true conception of its responsibilities. In fact, it is

many years since the society has been able to count upon such a well-balanced team of principals. The complete cast is as follows: O Kiku Sn ... ... Norma Holmen O Hana San .. Thelma Bergen O Kinkoto .San Jean Harman O Komurasaki San Leslie Hall Wun Hi .. ... .. ... ... F. O. Bridgeman Dick Sunningham .. R. Nelson George Crimston . . F. Killeen Arthur Cuddy .. E. K. Cameron Tommy Standby Noel Lewis Reginald Fairfax . J. Pawson Nanu (Wave of the Sea) .. .. Nancy Hales Juliette Diamant Joan Broad The Marquis IntariW. Hastings Takamine J. Broad Lady Constance Wynne ... .. G. Lovegrove Miss Ethel HurstD. Drew Miss Marie Worthington .. H. Bassett-Smith Miss Mabel Grant .. ~ ~ E. Bassett-Smith O Mimosa SanL. Rankin Captain KatanaJ. M. Linakcr Molly SeamoreM. Spurdie Oyucha .. K. Takarangi Another whose w’ork in the promotion of “The Geisha’’ is w r ell worthy of special mention, is that of the pianiste, Miss Eileen Cornyns. It is interesting to recall that Miss Cornyns w’as a Geisha in “The Geisha” when it was first played in Wanganui. In recent years she has rendered excellent service to the cause as pianiste, and through tho long weeks of practice has undoubtedly filled a role as important as that of the most outstanding player. “The Geisha,” in the opinion of a great many people who have seen it, eclipses even “The Belle of New York.” Saying that is saying a great deal. It is to be repeated again tonight and to-morrow night.