REHEARSAL IN FULL SWING “A VAGABOND" KING”

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 March 1947, Page 6

REHEARSAL IN FULL SWING “A VAGABOND" KING”

“An ambitious production such as ‘A Vagabond King, depends on the singing, particularly that of th? chorus,” said Mr. Eric Lind, secretary, Wanganui Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society. “The choruses are stirring—it is a man s play, and we are definitely short of men who can sing, bass or tenor, to assist the chorus, which must be firsts- class to make a success of the show*.”

Mr. E. D. Schnack, conductor of the Queen Alexandra Band, is conducting the rehearsals, the second of which was held in the Savage Club Hall last night.

“In Mr. Schnacks opinion,’' said Mr- Lind, “there is only one way of doing a thing, and that is the right way, and he can be depended upon to discover and foster talent in whatever form it may appear. Talent has more or less been lying dormant, particularly during the war years; hidden under bushells are now beginning to glow.

“The production,” added Mr. Lind, “is a big step from ‘The Country Girl. All being well, ‘A Vagabond King’ will go into production about the end of April and the beginning of May.”

All the principals hav? not yet been iinalised, but the show is in the capable hands of Miss Eva Moore, producer. Scenery and costumes are

coming from Auckland, where the production was successfully played. “Two real problems.” said Mr. Lind “are in respect of musical scores, and the use of halls for regular practice. Working on 27 musical scores has its difficulties, as. by the time ten scores are taken out for the principals, and

another three thrown in for the use of the pianist, producer and musical director, there are very few left for the chorus. Were the chorir; larger—say In the vicinity of 40, as is consistent with successful musical productions.” he said, “our worries would b° increased.”