HUTT VALLEY OPERATIC & DRAMATIC SOCIETY.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 20, 11 October 1928, Page 5

HUTT VALLEY OPERATIC & DRAMATIC SOCIETY.

"CUPID AND THE OGRE."

The Hutt Valley Operatic and Dramatic Society is to be congratulated upon the excellent performance presented to the public of Lower Hutt on Monday Ist inst. Under the capable direction of Messrs Harbord Bros., this young amateur company has made wonderful progress. The musical comedy was produced by Mr. J. W. Harbord, assisted by Mr. L. M. Assheton Harbord, late of 8.N.0.C and stage director of the American Grand Opera Co.

It may be said that it was ambitious and daring for such a young company to aspire to musical comedy but after watching the performance very closely we are satisfied that their daring \vas fully justified and that the Hutt may v be .proud of having such a brilliant company of amateur performers in its midst.

The story of "Cupid and the Ogre," was written by Chastey Hector and Stanley C. West. It opens with a- picnic scene in the castle grounds of the Earl of Humpanpip known as the Ogre on account of his objectionable temper and hatred of mankind. George Dunnamin, the Earl's game-keeper and only servant (Mr Shadlock) is sent by his master to eject the revellers in the middle of their picnic lunch, but being bribed by the pretty girls and given rabbit pie to eat he is soon won over to the enemy. At a critical moment the Earl (Mr. Assheton Harbord) appears on the scene, stern and furious and overhears the uncomplimentary remarks of his servant. The Earl, who possesses a very fine tenor voice sings '' My friends; I much regret this intrusion," followed by "You Bouncing, buttery, Butterflies.'' chorus by the company. During this scene the picnicers are overtaken by a thunder storm and seek shelter in the castle much to the annoyance of the sullen earl. This scene was wonderfully well done. The thunder and lightning effects mingled with a fine chorus left a most realistic impression.

Act II presents a'scene in the interior of the Earl's castle where everybody had arrived wet through and in consequence had raided the wardrobes of the Earl's ancestors. The^ result was high comedy as far as the men of the party were concerned but the ladies looked charming in the early Victorian gowns which they wore with becoming grace. The story of course ends in the usual way with a pretty love scene between the Earl and Violet.

Mt. Harbord as the Earl was much above amateur standard, acting the part with great deliberation. His tuneful voice was quite a feature of the performance. Mr Shadloek played a leading part very cleverly though-perhaps requiring a little suppression at times. Mr, Shadlock as a humourist has a fine singing voice and his imitation of the high soprano was clever. Colin. Andrews as Archie, played his part extremely well as it is not easy for an amateur to act the part of a fool without overdoing it, but we give Mr Andrews full credit for carrying out a difficult part very cleverly. Miss Nettie Laureston as Violet Silverglade acted the part of leading lady with great charm. Mrs Shadloek as Flo Uppendown was in good voice. Miss Jean Andrews as Monica Dearmetutt the romantic sister, filled the part admirably and is to be complimented on her elocution. Len Jones as the cantankerous and consistently hungry uncle did his part well. Miss Evelyn Taylor and Miss Clodagh Adams as two irresponsible butterflies and friends of Violet were both very charming. Mr A. C. Sceats as Donald Doddletrot, an English dude, gave a very clever rendition of the character, the high light of his performance being in an extremely humourous duet with Archie, "Life is full of wrong and woe.'' The singing of Miss Helen Henderson as Lady Emma Nottatoughm was much appreciated by the audience. Mr Allan Sharman as Capt. Samaza, was quite good, if inclined to be a little too stiff in his movements. Dan Wilson, as Ebb, was a realistic farmer and gave a creditable .performance. All of the choruses were particularly good, that of the ghost scene deserving special mention. Sydney Little, Arthur Weston, and J. Henderson, in minor roles proved quite adequate. Miss Grace Laurie, as a spoilt child, gave a very clever exhibition of solo dancing and in the gavotte was particularly charming as also ,were the other young ladies who took part, namely the Misses O. and J. Andrews, MeBain, Erskine, Adams and Pratt. The orchestra under the baton of Mr. Fordie included Misses Margaret Fletcher Ist violin; Grace Monks, 2nd violin; 'cello, Mr. Box,*- and flute, Mr Parker. Miss Violet Meßain, the society's pianiste, deserves credit for her fine work.

It is pleasing to find an amateur society aiming at such a high standard

and we hope the public will have a further opportunity of hearing these talented performers. The society has a few vacancies for singers and actors and all who are interested should communicate with the secretary.