Amusements, Meetings Etc.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14015, 24 June 1913, Page 2

Amusements, Meetings Etc.

“THE GEISHA.” j A SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTION'. BY WANGANUI OPERATIC SOCIETY. The production of “The Geisha” by the Wanganui Musical and Dramatic Society at the Opera House last evening was witnessed by a very large audience. “The Geisha” is a very bright and sparkling work of its kino wheu adequately presented, the vivacity, of tiic music bring unttagging. The manner of its prisen,..tion last night was distinctly creditable to the local society, and tnealrc-goers need be under no misapprehension as to its merits. For a fiiGt-uight performance-the production passed oil exceedingly well, and with the greater degree of briskness which w’.il doubtless be infused into the , action of the piece and the pace generally, j the .succeeding performances will be even brighter. '] be performance was rather protracted, due to the number of encores accepted, but this circumstance showed the satisfaction of the audience, though it slackened up the pace lomcwhat, and “The Geisha” can hardly be made to go 100 briskly. A feature of the presentation is the excellence of the stagewurk. The scenery is very lino," and doubtless the experienced hand of Mr Tom Pollard is here discernible, and to his clever coaching and direction much of the success achieved in due. The costuming of the piece is quite up to the professional standard, and some of the dresses, particularly those worn by Mimosa and Roly Poly Situ , arc exceptionally pretty. From a musical standpoint the production created a very agreeable impression, though even better results may he looked for in tins direction, 'flic orchestra is ably led by nr Goins Coiicii, and tue accompaniments were mostly well graded to the voices, in the first act the music was at times perhaps a bit ragged, but in the second act there was a distinct improvement. The chorus acquitcd itself well, and altogether “The Geisua" is a very enjoyable revival, I and the obvious pains bestowed on making | the production u success have not been [expended in vain, in this connection a ' special meed of praise ,is due to Mr J. I G. Swan, who put the performers through. : their lacings in the cany stages of prepa- | ration, witn such good cifect as to vns,.rc | success wheu Mr lom Pollard had put flic 1 bundling touches on them. it is pleasing to be able to couscientioHs-

ly praise mucU of tue ciiaractciisaUuii. alius .Kathleen V\ ood’s portraiture or tlie ucislia was oeiigutfully hue. She acted, her part very p,eitily, ami this with her splendid singing - 'coi/ioined •to mane a pourtrayal o. e.veeplioruil merit, tier fine soprano voice was Heard to advantage ih "ine. Amo.rous Goldfish” —a very pretty song, rendered ill the most dainty manner. She ah o 1 scored a big ’ success in "A

Geisha's Lire” and “The Jewel of Asia,” and was deservedly eneund in ei-ch instance. 'i ne audience quickly perceived and recognised the mem of Miss Alice Willis’ pourtrayal of tne Drench girl, it is nicely designed and cleverly developed, and who scored a big success, in the pait. As iMollie .Scanioie, Airs Leon U ilkie acquitted •herself- remarkably well, and imparted very agreeable animation to her work. ’ Mis W ilkie also danced gracefully, and sang “1 lie ioolish Little Maiden” song very daintily. Mrs W. C. Wall, as the stately Lady Constance Wynne, played the part in a praisewortny manner. Miss Alice Wood, as Kami, was very pleasing. As Reginald Fairfax, Mr Eldon Moore was successful, and though at times there were evidences of uncertainty, ho may be depended upon to instil more confidence into nis acting in his future appearances, and thus make a big success of the part. liis singing was very creditable. Mr Allan Hogg, ns Dick Cunningham, acted with a naturalness and careful attention to detail that was very praiseworthy. With Miss Daisy Nolan, Mr Hogg executed o pretty dance, which pleased the audience. As Captain Katana, Mr (1. F. Fnma was seen to great advantage, his acting being lirst-class, and in his singing in the two songs, "I’earl of the Eastern Sea” and “Love! Love!” was much appreciated. Mr Howard Knox made a success of the part of Takomine. As Wun-Hi, Mr Geo. Brown revealed an excellent capacity in comedy. The role of the tea-house proprietor is rich in humorous possibilities, and Mr Brown made the most of them, without overdoing it, and the result was that he kept tiro audience amused with the drolleries and light-footed gyrations associated with the part. Much of the success of the performance was duo to his,capital work. Mr C. J. Wray gave a clever, consistent, and amusing study of the part of the dignified Marquis Imari. 1 The subsidiary parts were satisfactorily allotted. The parts of English ladies, guests of Lady Constance, were nicely taken by Miss Ina McDonald (Miss Marie 'Worthington), Miss Minnie Johnston (Miss Ethel Hirst), Mrs W. A. Armour (Miss Mabel Grant), Miss Dorothy Beauchamp (Miss Louie Plumpton). The four Geisha girls wore particularly good in their respective parts —0 Kiku San (chrysanthemum). Miss E. Comyns; O liana San (blossom), Miss Gladys Swan; 0 Kinkoto San (golden harp), Miss T. Young; Koraurasaki San (little violet), Mi.ss Lulu Foster. Their concerted numbers wore given in line style. Mr Lance Craig’s fine voice was heard to advantage in the solo “Chivalry,” and credit must be accorded Mr Norman Tyler (George Grimston) and Mr Herbert Barrett (Arthur Cuddy) for the ability which they displayed in their parts. The introduction of a children s ba'let in the second act was a picturesque episode. Altogether last night’s performance was very meritorious, bright, and entertaining, and the. exceedingly appreciative reception met with augurs well for the success of the season.

“The Geisha" will be staged again tonight. The Queen Alexandra Regimental Band, under the direction of Lieutenant Buckley, leave for JJawera by the C.4-0 train on Thursday morning, where they have been engaged to play at the Military Tournament sports. Next- Sunday evening the Band will give their second winter concert in the Opera. House, particulars of which will be advertised later. The ordinary fortnightly mretii*jg of Bishop Lodge, “i.A.0.D., was held last evening. The balauoc-dicct for the 'past-half-year was read and adopted. 1 Tins showed a very healthy state so far as the funds and membership goes. The sick and funeral fund showed an increase from ,£3683 to £4070. Other funds showed a corresponding increase. The following members were asked to attend at the Railway Hall this evening for the purpose of plaving a team from the Cosmopolitan Cluli for the Shield in the Wanganui Card, Tournament: —S. Greaves, G. Walton, E. Bennett, T. Molan, G. Allan, G. Newson, W. Barnes, J. T. Marshall, G. Larkin, Hops, Cannons, F. Stringer, J. Baxter, W, Palmer,, E. R. Morgan, D. Blanche, B. Willis, E. Moosman, P. Palmer, 0. Hanuington. Play starts at 8 sharp.