"SAN TOY."

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18366, 27 April 1925, Page 8

"SAN TOY."

OPENING PERFORMANCE TO-NIGHT. This evening should bo something of a triumph for the Christchurch Amateur Operatic bociet", and a revelation to theatregoers. For months the members of the company have been rehearsing "San Toy." and under the direction of Mr Harison Cook, they have come out as finished performers. Mr Cook, of course, came to Christcliurch with an English reputation: for years he was with tho Carl Rosa Opera Company as producer. The story of "San To} - ," one of the beet light operas ever written, is a'.ways fresh and entertaining. It tells of love and intrigue in the Orient, giving the plavers ruanv opportunities to display gorgeous trc-'k?. to' sing hauntiug melodies and to embark on numerous amusing episodes. Miss Hazel Faville will again take the lead and a more charming and accomplished "it-tic lady could not have been chosen. Miss liona Yaugban lias many dances after tier own heart: Mr E. 0. Seed will snrronnd himself with a bevy of beauteous Chineeo maidens: Messrs Frank Morrison, P. C-owlishaw, Dan McKivett, and many, many others liavo been sel-iated' for their parts with great oare. A most admirable ballet has been trained by Miss Iris Montgomery, and special attention has been paid to the lighting and effects. The whole opera is being produced on an ambitious sca'.e, and judging by the bookings for the first performance at the Tbeatro Royal this evening, the society s seafion should be a most successful one.

Owing (o the unfortunate illness of Mr Claude Burrows he will be unable to appear to-night as Fo Hop in "San Toy," butthe producer. Mr Harison Cook, late Royal Opera, C'ove.nt Garden, and ihe. Moody Mannere and Carl .Rosa Opera. Companies, has kindly volunteered to p-lay tho part •until such time duriug the week as Mr Burrows i 3 sufficiently recovered to play it himself.