“IOLANTHE.” SEASON.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1036, 31 October 1903, Page 2

“IOLANTHE.” SEASON.

The “ lolanlihe ” season concluded lash evening,, 'after a run of four nights. It was in every, respect a very great success, and a remarkable fact was that as the season advanced the .interest increased instead of diminished. .The closing scene gave rise to a demonstration of intense enthusiasm. All the solos 'and most of the' choruses were encored last night, the Queen of the Fairies (Mrs Buekeridge) having to respond four times for her song ‘‘ Oh Foolish Fay,” and Mrs Kennedy, Mrs Davis, and Messrs Kennedy, Mitchell, Teat, Dr Buckcridge, and Captain Whiteley having to each respond to numerous encodes. The whole piece went off splendidly, and visitors to the district as well as local residents spoke in the highest eerms - of praise of the singing, music, acting, mounting, lighting and scenic effects. When the final chorus was sung last night, the audience did not rus'h off as is the (wont of Gisborne audiences. The people remained in their seats, and there was a triple encore. Some of the vocalists caught the infection of enthusiasm, and ladies’ handkerchiefs and ducal coronets were held aloft, waving on the points of the wands. On ■ the curtain being rung down, there was a .call upon each of the principals to come before the curtain, and as they appeared in turn, each was given a great ovation. Mr Kennedy was called on for a speech, and in response,- mentioned the gratification of those who had taken part in the’ production that it had heeu so well appreciated, there being _ crowded houses each night. He said the success was undoubtedly in a large measure due to the assistance they had received from Mrs Davis, a lady who had taken leading operatic parts in Australia and New Zealand, and who had come down from Auckland to assist them. The production had, the audience would be pleased to learn, proved a record for Gisborne, either of amateurs or professionals. (Applause.) He called for three cheers for Mrs Davis. The cheers were very heartily given, and them before dispersing, the au-dience gave more hearty cheers for the participants