TALENTED AMATEURS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20050, 23 September 1939, Page 3

TALENTED AMATEURS

LOVE TALE OF CEYLON

POPULAR MUSICAL COMEDY.

Repeating waves of applause coming from ail parts of the audience gave evidence in the Gisborne Opera House last evening of the continued success of the Gisborne Amateur Operatic Society in its presentation of the captivating musical comedy, "The Cingalee." The season- concludes this evening and. quite apart from the appeal which all amateur performances hold among a wide circle of admirers, the sheer entertainment value of this pleasing production should attract an overflow audience.

Singing of a remarkably high standard characterises the many solo and lilting chorus numbers which thread the libretto and lend added charm to the romantic story of love in delightful Ceylon. The splendid chorus, particularly, maintains a standard which would prove l difficult even for long-trained professional companies to excel I. Another highlyimpressive feature of combined effort is provided by the ballet, the graceful members of which maintain uniformity and poise in Eastern and modern dance numbers and make it appear that even the most difficult of their movements are accomplished with the greatest of ease.

The interpretation of the various characters is given with distinction by 'the principals and their supports, experience and youth being admirably combined in the cast. Attractive frocks appear in various scenes, the simple charm of European dresses being emphasised by the gorgeous apparel of natives of the tropical island and the vivid colouring of the settings, which lend exotic glamour to the production. From the opening chorus, "Sleepy Ceylon,” to the concluding “Cingalee, Cingalee,” delightful entertainment is provided, and “The Cingalee” will adcl another to the lengthy list of which Gisborne’s amateurs have just reason to be proud.