Continued Progress By Otaki Players

Chronicle (Levin), 28 April 1949, Page 2

Continued Progress By Otaki Players

The last reading of the Otaki Players was held in the Anglican Hall recently, when the play "Musical Chairs," by Ronald Mackenzie, was read. This play, first presented at the Loddon Arts Theatre, is described by the well-known London dramatie critic, J. C. Trewin, as one with "searing character work." Therein lies its strong interest. There is no star part and thus the play demands good team work, as well as interpretation. The Otaki Players, under the guidance of Mrs. Malcolm Holmes, gave one of their best readings yet, and the character rehearsing showed in the ease and natur alness of the players. Very gratifying and encouraging was the improvement and confidence s'hown by the less experienced players. The reading was dramatised and suitably dressed and staged. Particularly effective was the appearance of Mr. Plunkett the American "go-getter" agent, played by Mr. H. Blackburn, and very workmanlike the attire of Geoff, the engineer at the oil works. The players laboured under difficulties when it came to entrances and exits because of the extremely limite'd space both on and off stage, but the play itself moved with zest. As the English family faded away from Poland the audience wished to see more of their actions and reactions in the new sphere, which is a tribute to both the author and cast. The cast was:— Mr. Schindler, Mr. A. O. Kirkwood; Mrs. Schindler, Mrs. D. Lea; Joseph, Mr. John Sams; Geoff, Mr. C. Henderson; Irene, Mrs. R. Buxton; Mary, Miss H Lee; Anna. Miss B. Goodman; Mr. Plunkett, Mr. H. Blackburn.