WITH THE AMATEUR PLAYERS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20887, 19 August 1939, Page 17 (Supplement)

WITH THE AMATEUR PLAYERS

Hamilton Operatic Society With the announcement of the cast for the Hamilton Operatic Society's production of “A Runaway Girl,” rehearsals began in earnest this week. There was a large attendance on Monday night. Before leaving for Gisborne, where she is producing a show, Mrs F. Me Death put the Hamilton principals through a preliminary run. She will return in about a month, and will spend six weeks with the local society. The cast of “A Runaway Girl” contains some former favourites and much new material. The omission of some players who had proved their ability in previous productions —one remembers for instance, a player who, by his excellent work, made a small part in "The Vagabond King” stand out. as a big one, and a girl who did great service in rehearsals of the same opera by rehearsing two parts owing to the illness of another—was certainly surprising, but everyone will wish the society well in its activities for the season. “Home and Beauty” in Hamilton Somerset Maugham’s brilliant romantic comedy, ••Home and Beauty,” will he staged at the Civic Theatre next Thursday night by the Hamilton Playbox. under the direction of Mrs Zclda Fahey and with the following cast:— Victoria Ailccn Parkhouse Frederick John Ilarcourt William Graham Absolum Mrs Shuttleworth Myra Booth Miss Montgomery S. E. Cook Miss Dennis Joy Sullivan Leicester Paton Kenneth Fade Mr Rahan Malcolm Thomas Mrs Pogson .... Charlotte Edmunds Taylor Merlyn Heerdigan The unexpected return of a husband believed to be dead, who finds bis wife married lo another man, is the intriguing situation on which this play is built up. The solving of the problem provides plenty of entertainment for the audience. "Rose Marie” in Auckland The Auckland Operatic Society’s production of “Rose Marie” is to run for a fortnight. Many Hamiltonians have'been among the large audiences which have seen this spectacular romantic opera. "When We Are Married” in Christchurch Four performances of "When We Are Married,” by J. B. Priestley, were given in Christchurch this week by the Canterbury Repertory Theatre Society. Wanganui Amateurs for Palmerston The Wanganui Repertory Society will stage "The First Mrs Fraser” at Palmerston North shortly.

Hamiltonian Performs In Sydney When Betty Welch, of Hamilton, left recently to compete in the elocution sections at Sydney Eisteddfod, I was able to give her several letters of introduction to professional people. On presenting one to Roland Foster, head of the vocal section at the Conservatorium, she was asked to perform at a recital by his pupils the following afternoon. Miss Welch writes that it was a great thrill to find herself performing lo a Sydney audience so soon after her arrival. The audience gave her a fine reception, and Mr Foster was very complimentary concerning her work. TJie contributors to the programme included Jessie Shaw, of Tc Awamutu, ami Winifred Clements, of Auckland Ilie Ilugelte of last year’s “ Vagabond King" . who are students at the Conservatorium. Miss Welch reports having had a very pleasant visit to the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves, and making interesting radio contacts. Incidentally she mentions that the weather in Sydney is delightful—- “ just like a New Zealand summer.” Chance to See the Other Acts A couple of years ago the Pio Pio Drama Club won first place in the drama festival in Hamilton with one act of a play. The play was “Home and Beauty,” which the Hamilton Playbox will stage at the Civic Theatre next Thursday night, so playgoers who found the one act very entertaining now have the opportunity of seeing the whole of the play. Hamilton Playbox "To See Ourselves,” a very entertaining play, was read by the Hamilton Playbox this week, under the direction of Mr 11. J. Ferguson. The readers, who did good work, were Mesdames L. Winthrop and V. Linder, Messrs W. Blakeway, R. IPedrotti and 11. J. Ferguson. Roof Opens at "Rose Marie” During the opening performance of "Rose Marie” by the Auckland Operatic Society, says the Auckland Star, by one of those freakish accidents which happen only once in a lifetime someone unfamiliar with the backstage machinery touched the switch operating the movable roof to the dome above the stalls, and a section opened up to let in the heavy rain which was falling outside. Startled sounds, overcoats and even umbrellas suddenly arose from the audience in the stalls, and shrieks of laughter from the sheltered patrons. In a few seconds the roof closed again and all was forgotten under the spell of the play, thanks to the unshaken stage sense of the actors, who nonchalantly wooed partons back to immediate interest without missing a note or a cue.