AMATEUR ACTIVITIES.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17804, 31 August 1929, Page 17 (Supplement)

AMATEUR ACTIVITIES.

" GIPSY LOVE.” FULL OF DELIGHTFUL MELODIES Here is the full cast of “ Gipsy Love,” now in active rehearsal by the Hamilton Operatic Society:— I jozsl Khydderch Jones : Dragotln Edward H. Quill ; Kajetan ....... William H. Frye i Jonel Fred. Carolan | Andor A. E. Bouillon | Dmltreanu Hugh Morton | Zorlka Mary McKenzie i Ilona Jessie Richards jolan Wynn Manning Julesa • Ella Penney ! Lady Babby Myra Booth I Looking in at a rehearsal on Monday : night, I found tremendous enthusiasm I prevailing. The principals realise the ' great possibilities of their roles, and : are eager to make the most of them. ! The chorus, too, are very keen, and ’ are delighted with the colourful chor- : uses and bits of “business” allotted to them. Mr A. E. Manning is producer, Mr It. Piper music director, Miss Gladys Denz ballet mistress, Mr \V. Blylli stage manager, and Mr .1. Harrison pianist. All these officials share in the prevailing enthusiasm—in fact, it is good to see the fine spirit animating everyone. “ Gipsy Love,” besides telling an interesting story and abounding in humour and romance, is very melodious, solos, duets, and concerted numbers being of a very high standard; and j the cast chosen will do justice to I them. At Monday night’s rehearsal I was delighted with the score. There seems little doubt that “ Gipsy Love ” will reach the high level attained by “ Katinka,” a production of which the Society is justifiably proud. WANGANUI SOCIETY. * The Wanganui Operatic Society Is I actively rehearsing “The Pirates of ' Penzance,” under the direction of Mr. j Harison Cook, and with Mr. Gordon Mcßeth as music director. Mr. Hubert | Garter, the well-known tenor, who | has won prominence abroad, will bo i Frederic. The chorus consists of (50 voices, including 24 in the male section. Here is the cast:— Frederic Hubert Carter Major-General Stanley . James Pawson ! Sergeant of Police .... Harison Cook | Samuel N. L. Tyler Mabel Julie Worry Edith Eileen Anderson Ruth Mrs. Leo Campion Kate Mrs. Wills OTHER PRODUCTIONS. The Auckland Operatic Society’s production of “Florodora” commenced last night, and will continue until next Saturday. The cast includes old favourites like George Lyttelton, Ernest Snell, Lcn Kevcn and Bob Fenwick. Miss Vcrner Wishart has been given the leading female role of Dolores, with Miss Hope Asher as Lady Holyrood and Miss Audrey Perry as Angelia Gilfain. The principal danseuse and leader of many ballets is Miss Dorothy Steele. Mr Theo. Trczise is producer, and Mr Colin Muston music director.

The Christchurch Repertory Theatre made a profit of £3O from its recent production of “R.U.R." The society has 273 financial members.

The pantomime “Aladdin" will be presented for three nights at Wanganui next week by Mr and Mrs J. W. Bailey. Miss Evelyn Wright will be principal boy, and Mr Horace Melville will be the Widow Twankey. In the Auckland Little Theatre Society’s production of “Mrs. Moonlight” the cast will be: —Tom Moonlight, Bernard Brittain; Minnie, Peggy Hovey; Edith Jones, Mona Wallbank; Sarah Moonlight, Ysoiinde McVeagh; Jane Moonlight, Lowrie McGregor; Percy Middling, Lees Bullot; Willie Regg, John Gordon; Peter, Bruce Elliott.

The annual report o,f the Wellington Operatic Society states that the season of “Our Miss Gibbs" was not a financial success. The performance was put back nearly two months from the date originally set down, and adverse weather greatly affected the box-ofilce takings. Tile balance sheet shows an excess of expenditure over income of £BB 2s id, which still leaves a balance of over £2OO in hand. Christchurch's new intimate theatre in Kihnore Street, lo lie known as Radiant Hall, will he opened by the Mayor of Christchurch (Ihe Rev. J. K. Archer) on October 10 or October 23. Although designed primarily for tin) Health Club, the hall is expected to become the centre in Christchurch of the modern expression of drama, music, and the arts. The Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society lias taken a particular interest in its construction and the stage, designed by Professor James Shelley, will lie one of the largest and most up-to-date in the Dominion. The stage will have a widst of 57 feet and a depth of 58 feet. The proscenium opening will be 28 feet wide, and tiie theatre will seat about 800 people.