At the Opera House on Friday Night.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10502, 25 November 1901, Page 2

At the Opera House on Friday Night.

Amongst our many local institutions deserving of the heartiest practical support, the Wanganui Musical and Dramatic Association stands out very prominently. Those more intimately connected with the management know that they do everything — either in the way of opera, comedy, or drama — to so select the pieces that they will meet with popular tayour, and also that they will be of a high-class and an irreproachable nature. What, for' instance, -. can bo more enjoyable than the production of- an; opera like "Rip Van- Winkle," with its strong vein of romance running throughout.j its bright crisp dialogue wedded to" 1 beautiful music, and its many effective scenes and situations? When it was staged here somo few days ago. it was evident that no expense or pains had been spared in every detail as to mounting and accessories, and it was generally conceded that it was one of the best operatic efforts by the members of the Association. The performance was' undoubtedly a lengthy one, but further familiarity with the stage working, n and some slight judicious "cutting" here and there, has brought it within better time limits, . so that patrons may 'rely on a particularly smart and sparkling performance on Friday evening. Tho box plan is now open at" Messrs H. I. Jones and Son's, where seats may be secured, and tickets are also obtainable at the various music shops, the hotels, and the tobacconists' premises. It is confidently anticipated that the revival of "Rip" will have the effect of crowding the Opera House on Friday evening, for the members of the Association certainly deserve such a practical acknowledgement 'of the estimable services they are rendering in. the cause of music throughout the community. There is to be a full rehearsal in the Opera House, at 7.30 to-night, of "Rip Van Winkle." Members are particularly requested to bo in time.

Members of the Liedertafel are reminded that practice will start tonight at 7.30 sharp.

Liederkranz practice this evening, at 7.30 sharp, at Sherriff's studio. It is absolutely necessary for every member to attend.

A meeting of the Wanganui Astronomical Society will take place this evening in the Technical School at 8 o'clock. Members of committee, are particularly requested to attond, as business is important.

The Arts aud -Crafts Exhibition continues to bo well patronised, and on Saturday evening there was'a large attendance. During the evening Bongs wero rendered t>y Messrs Blenncrhassott and D. E. Hutton. The accompaniments wore payed by Mrs Campbell and Mr Brinkley. Tho tea room was presided over by Mesdames Kitchen and Jones, assisted by Misses Brewer and Newcombe. i

Alexander (the Australian Blondin) again had to put off his serial performance in Cook's Gardens on account of the gale blowing on Saturday night. As Blondin is announced to appear in another town, ho intends calling 'here again shortly if arrangements can bo made with tho band for a concert. Blondin wishes us to mention that a few persons who did not call for their admission money can recoive the same by calling at the Criterion Hotel with their tickets.

According to the Launceston Examiner, a copy of which paper has been sent to this office, the Jubilee Singerß were appearing at the Albert Hall there for a six-nights' season, commencing on 12th November ; also at the Academy of Music, an entertainment entitled "Our Navy," under the direction of Mr L: B. Butler, with Mr Chas.' MacMahon as touring manager. Tho Hawtrey Comedy Company were to open at the Academy" of Music on tho 18th inst with "A Message from Mars." With regard to the latter Company, it may bo men-* tioned that Mr A. Clark, representative in advance, is at present in -Dunedin arranging for the New Zealand tour, the Wanganui.dates at the Opera House being 9th to 14th January, inclusive.