"TOM JONES" PLAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 226, 23 September 1940, Page 4

"TOM JONES" PLAY.

TRAINING COI-I-EGE STUDENTS. Fine ladies in powder and patches, darkbrowed villains ill wig and cloak, serving wenches and rough lackeys sang and danced in professional manner on Saturday night when the Music flub of the Auckland Teachers' Training College presented Edward Gorman's three-act comic opera "Tom Jones'' before a crowded hall and gallery at the college. The cooperation of the students and staff over past months resulted last night in the presentation of a musical comedy of considerable size and difficulty witli an ease and finish that amply justified the effort made. The orchestra, consisting of students of the college, and under the baton of Mill. C. Luscombe, 8.A., Mug., Bac, played throughout with refreshing smoothness and restraint, and gave an entr'acte which was roundly applauded by the audience. In the leading roles of Tom Jones and Sophia Western were J. Stevenson and Miss Leila Williams, and their performances were maintained at a high level throughout. W. J. Forrest as Squire Western produced a fine portrayal of a be-gouted and fairly unprincipled old English squire, while Miss Hazel Thompson as Sophia's maid showed ample acting ability and a good singing voice. Chorus and ballet work, the latter directed by Miss Elaine Goodoy, had polish and appeal, and much credit must also be given to the arrangers of costumes and scenic effects.