"BELLE OF NEW YORK."

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 224, 21 September 1928, Page 3

"BELLE OF NEW YORK."

NOTABLE AMATEUR PERFORMANCE.

AT HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE

For she is the belle of New York Subject of all the town talk The fellows all sigh for her They would all die for her She is the belle of New York.

Once more Aucklanders heard thdrt tuneful, catchy refrain when "The Belle M New York" was most sueeesrfuly staged by tlie members of the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society, before a crowded audience, at His Majesty's Theatre last evening. The society has had many notable successes in the past, and has staged some imbitioue pieces, and the high standard was admirably sustained last evening, the production meeting with the unstinted praise of those who saw it. It is generally believed that the gulf between the amateur and professional standard is wide as the poles asunder, but last evening's performance would, on the whole, compare fit/vouraibly with that of any visiting company. This was t<he consensus of opinion, when the final curtain came amid a scene of great enthusiasm. Those who are always sceptical of amateur productions should take their courage in their hands and book seats. They will not be disappointed. There is nothing cheap or tawdry in the costumes or scenery, which reflect great credit on Mr. W. J. Crowther. The chief charm of the comedy is its tuneful music, which has made the "Belle" one of the most successful and popular musical comedies for over a quarter at' a century; it has lost none of its charm with the intervening years. Mrs. Harold Simson (nee Eva Robertson) in the character of "The Belle" was well cast for the part. She is of a pleasing voice, and has a stage presence. All her numbers were Sundered well and the audience were not slow to show their appreciation of her efforts. Mr. Raymond Reeve's performance as lehabod Bronson, Harry's father, was exceedingly good. He is droll, and possesses a good voice. His best hit was "You Can't Be Too Careful These Days," in which is included a clever skit on traffic officers and regulations. Mr. Ernest Snell has a tenor voice of quality, and as Harry Bronson he gave a pleasing interpretation of the part. Miss Dorothy Richardson was best in "Teach Me How To Kiss." Her voice is sweet, but has -not sufficient carrying capacity to be heard back. Her performance, however, was meritorious. The comedy parts were a little weak. Mr. G. C. Lyttelton, as the polite lunatic, could have been more effective, and so could Mr. Len K.even as "Doc" Snifkins. Mr. Robert Fenwick made an excellent "Blinkey Bill," but at times he overdid the part. Mrs. Grace Nicholson received a good reception, her singing and acting in the part of the Queen of Opera being meritorious. Others who took prominent parts to advantage were Messrs. Frank Martin, A. J. Prentice, A. B. Birch, C. A. R. Walker, G. Moody, J. A. Sharp, Captain H. J. Redmond, Mrs. Audrey Simmers, and Misses Dorothy Steel anil Doreen D'Aut'hreau. The singing throughout was excellent, the chorus work better than anything heard in Auckland for some time. "The Belle of New York" will be staged for eight more nights.