College To Present Gilbert And Sullivan Opera

Chronicle (Levin), 31 July 1948, Page 4

College To Present Gilbert And Sullivan Opera

In their first attempt at light opera, the pupils Of the Horowhenua College will shortly present Gilbert aiid Sullivan's ever popular, "The Pirates of Peiizance'' A complete departure from previous annual productions, the college's venture has aroused considerable interest both locally and in educational circles. The difficulties involved in the production are considerable and the producer, Mr. N. A. Byrne, is to be congratulated on the way in which he has overcome them. Altogether some 130 pupils, staff and outside assisting artists will take part, and to accommodate them on the restricted space was the first major headache lor the producer. A special arrangement of the supporting choir, however, has materially assisted in this regard. One of the features is the enthusiasm of the pupils taking part, who for the past three months have sacrificed a large portion of their lunch hours and private time for practice performances. The four principal soloists will be Mesdames E. Smith (Mabel) and G. Hesp (Ruth) , and Mersrs. J. P. Edgar (Frederick the Pirate Apprentice) and F. Baumber (The Pirate King) . Others holding principal roles are Messrs. J. Findlater (the Major-General), G. Ball (Sergeant of Police) and R. Lankshear (Samuel, Lieutenant to the Pirate King). The role of "Kate" will be taken by Audrey Nichol, "Isabel" by Marie Pescini, and "Edith" by Lynette Gibbons. The choruses are comprised of the following:— Policemen: G. Andrews, A. D. Brash, W. Hall, ELacey, J. Kissell, A. Moriarty, I. Ramsden and R. T. Woodfield. Pirates: S. J. Alexander, G. Arcus, R. Coleman, B. Collett, J. Darne, W. Dumbell, S. Fox, P. Frederikson, G. Lankshear, A. Lee, D. Lind, D Lindsay, B. Morrison, J. Norton, N. Oxnam and R. Swan. Giris: Valerie Barkla, Patricia Burtt, Josephine Cameron, Anne Childs, Dorothy Crowley, Phyllis Fogden, Audrey Fogden, Beryl Grice, Audrey Grice, Margaret Miller, Natalie Mudgway, Fay Potter, Marna Potter, Patricia Rolfe, Lola Thomas and Ann Todd. The production is in two acts, the first being set in a rocky sea-shore on the coast of Cornwall and the second in a ruined chapel on the estate of Major-General Stanley. Much work has gone into the scenery, Mr. M. R. Smith and the art students making an exceptionally commendable job of this intricate work. In charge of the costumes is Miss L. E. Coleman, assisted by the home science pupils. Of Victorian age style, these are very coiourful and should add the finishing touch to a really worthwhile production. Looking in on a rehearsal yesterday a "Chronicle" representative was impressed by the meticulous way in which the production, is being tackled. The college is fortunate in having some really fine vocal leads and the supporting choir is showing the results of careful training. By the opening night, August 11, after a few more "finishing" practices, they will have something of a high standard to offer the Levin public. This year there will be three nights instead of two, as in the past, and the booking will open next week.