“GONDOLIERS” AT GREY.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1918, Page 1

“GONDOLIERS” AT GREY.

!A CREDITABLE PERFORMANCE

(Grey Argus.) After all that had been read, of the Hokitika Amateur Operatic Society in Gilbert and Sullivan’s sparkling opera “The Gondoliers,” the public of Grevmoiith expected something out o| the ondinary, and at the Opera House last evening the fine audience thatattended 'were rewarded by a magnificent portrayal of the world-famed opera. It is here, that Air Tom Pollard must he 'accorded the thanks ol the theatre-going • public of Greymouth for through liis energetic endeavours and enterprise the members of the Hokitika Society decided to appear at the Opera House. A word of praise is due to Mrs W Staveley, who for many months past had spent considerable time and anxiety in training the fl) people whom it took to stage Lie opera. That her labours have boon rewarded was borne out in the prolonged applause that greeted each character, chorus and act. The staging of the piece left nothing to be desired and it. was easily seen that a master hand had been at. work. I he jime light effects added materially to the general stage appearanee and the operator knew liis business and how to throw 1 he different shades of light;. The music.by the orchestra under the baton of Air" Fred R.estcaux was termed by many present as “simply delightful,” and added materially to the lingo success achieved. The whole performance from- beginning to.: end went with a wonderful swing and it- again demonstrated the “Pollard touch,”’ for the quick movement- and graceful sequense wore there l in every gavotte, minuet and grouping. Air Ivon Wilson as the Duke of Plaza Toro portrayed the character remarkably well, and the comic element infused- into the opera was not overdone by his' clever acting. The audience gave this fine actor a splendid reception. Aliss Alice A\ cjls as Linz, the Duke’s attendant-, added to the merriment of the performance considerably and her singing in the duet with Aliss Jessie Davidson, was a treat. Af- R, Cyril Invin, “.The Grand fnquistior,” was at- home in the part and his acting ©nine in lor well-merited applause from the large /audience. The droll dialogue apportioned to this character wanted for nothing in his hands. “The. Duchess of Plaza Toro,” as interpreted by Airs. AY. Wilson was well placed for this lady had taken her cue from artists she had no doubt witnessed play the part, and the lesson had been well nourished. “Casilda” (the Duchess’s daughter) was ably imitated by Aliss Jessie Davidson, her winsome acting

,r L uLie captivating the audience. Mrs A. -Rowe as “Inez” - (the King’s foster mother) had little to do, but did it well. Mrs W. Staveley, and Miss Amy Nichols took the parts of “Marco Valmeri, and (fuiseppi • Palmcri gondoliers-: and the .selection could not have, been more happily made. Both Indies had the talent required. Their singing and acting was highly appreciated 0 amT they are “some” performers in amateur ranks. The minor parts were all .well•'acted and showed careful arid masterly tuition. 'Altogether the performance was an unprecedent od l success, and could easily have run two -nights, as a number failed, to gahi admission ,and at 7.45. the order was | “standing' room only.” 'Well done Hokitika you have the material and Groy'mouth will look forward to again witnessing at some future date another bright opera.