STAGE PRESENTATIONS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 46, 6 November 1946, Page 6

STAGE PRESENTATIONS

MANY TOP-LINE SHOWS

WHAKATANE INCLUDED

Whakatane has definitely been listed by producers as a good ‘show town’, and therefore, residents may expect a number of first-class stage presentations to be given here from now on.

Already, there is an imposing line-up for the next few months, but we understand that is only a foretaste of what is to come. Doubtless the box office receipts of the Kiwi Concert Party, Peter Dawson and others who performed in Whakatane have much to do with the placing of Whakatane on the itinerary of a number of companies which will shortly be going on tour. The first of these, “Love In Idleness”, will be presented in the Grand Theatre tonight. With the backing of performances in England and Australia, and a professional cast, this takes its place as the first of the new series of highlights. J. J. Moody, the Irish tenor, is booked for November 21. Whakatane is one of the towns included in his short itinerary before he leaves for England. On January 25, the Napier Frivolity Minstrels will present their show. This company is promoted by the Napier Thirty Thousand Club, the well-known organisers of the Christmas Mardi Gras. With 32 experienced artists there can be no doubting its standard.

A highlight for February is Ophir Rees’ Radiant Review Company, which will visit Whakatane on the 6th of that month. This is recognised among showmen as being probably the best company to tour, and the fact that Whakatane is included, once again proves the point that this town is regarded as well worth visiting. Forty-five artists are touring with the company and with high salaries, expenses, equipment etc., it takes only a few seconds to calculate the immense cost per week of keeping such a show on the road.

In future, we feel certain that Whakatane may look forward to presentations in this town by the best shows which tour New Zealand.