FINE EFFORT IN “THE MIKADO” BY HIGH SCHOOL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 40, 5 May 1950, Page 5

FINE EFFORT IN “THE MIKADO” BY HIGH SCHOOL

Despite the apparent simplicity when acted on the stage the conhc operas of W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan are not easy to present but this fact was hardly noticeable in ' the fine performance of “The Mikado” by the Whakatane High School in the Gpand Theatre last night and on Wednesday night. Allowances must be made for an amateur presentation by comparatively young and untrained actors but, 'perhaps, for this reason it was that last night’s show was delightfully refreshing. After a shaky start by' a few of the actors on Wednesday night the whole company soon settled down and although they had found their feet before half the play was finished they were off to a confident start last night. Fine Costumes There were many reasons why “The Mikado” was enjoyable. Not the least were the fine costumes and the brilliant scenery, which must have taken hours of preparation. These combined with the racy and simple acting and clear singing entertained crowded houses in presenting a fine amateur production. Again, the music from the orchestra should not be forgotten‘nor the many who worked behind the scenes to get the players ®n to the stage.

Whatever the High School may lack it certainly is not short of actors. Many profited from experience in last year’s “The Pirates of Penzance.” Such a one was Michael Warbrick who gleefully lived part of the Mikado. Huia Watarawi was convincing as his son, NankiPoo, with David Bridges (Ko-Ko) and Albert Pryor (Pooh-Bah, Lord High Everything Else) enjoying themselves before an audience who also enjoyed their antics./Joe Mason as Pish-Tush obviously enjoys acting. Jill Lockyer (Yum-Yum) was a convincingly sweet heroine and Judy Ferguson (Pitti-Sing) and Suzanne Briffault (Katisha) were also effective. ' Others taking parft were:—

Chorus of School Girls: Pauline Stowell, Dorothy Leith, Janet Hill, Leonie Storey, Janice Lamb, Marie Murray, Joan Mclntosh, Shona Lord, Anne . Goodfellow, Heather McKay, Ora Ranby, Romola Grant Cheril Clarke, Patsy Morice, Anne Mason, Hannah Hunt, Heather McNaughten, Fiona Wilson, Margaret Mahy. Chorus of Nobles and Guards: B. Cribb, D. Metcalfe, H. Kurerangi, L. Mollgaard, P. Howard, M. Thompson, J. Gray, W. Tawhai, R. Heta, S. Hunia, I. Matamua, T. Onekawa, M. Phillips, M. Morice, K. Massey, B. White, H. Pryor. The Orchestra: Violins, A. Albiston (leader), Mrs R. H. Larmer, Miss J. Harrison, A. Blake. Cello: G. Anderson. Mass: C. Armstrong. Flute: T. Davey. Oboe: N. Scrivener. Cornet: K. Jarrett. Percussion: Miss J Bell. Piano: Mrs L. D. Lovelock.

The producers were Messrs I. R. McLean, D. A. Hogg and T. H. Wil-

son. / Credits: Scenery built by, C. K.

Stubbs and stage staff. Scenery printed by, Miss L. McNeil and helpers. Costumes, Mrs T. Hall and helpers. Make-up, Miss L. M. Lawes and helpers. Stage staff, R. Spong, J. Kilgour, K. Lysaght, J. Fitzsimmons, M. Gillard, P. Stubbs, C. Brady, W. Bigwood. Business manager, 6. F. Ridley. Front-of-house manager, A. Breward.