“ PAUL JONES.”

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1918, Page 1

“ PAUL JONES.”

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY Everything points to one of the besu performances of comic opera ever given by amateurs pi Hokitika in the production of Planqiiettc’s charming thi\'°-act opera “Paul Jones’’ on next Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in the I’rincoss Theatre bv local amateurs—produced under the personal supervision of Mr Tom Pollard. “Paul Jones’’ was o*ie of the brightest of productions amid a series of opera by the old Pollard Opera Company that challenged competition with all comers. The story of the daring buccaneer who went to sea to get a million francs to pay for the lianet of “Yvonne’’ is a well connected one. Mrs W. Staveley bas a very congenial part as “Paul,-Jones/’ and her fresh dashing style will well suit the historical Privateer Captain. As “Yvonne,” the lover of “Paul Jones,” Miss Perry will find plenty of opportunity to cliann her hearers with her pure silver soprano voice in the canny beautiful numbers that fall to the lot of “ Yvonne.” Waltz, solos, scenns, ballads, and duets that please the hearts of both singer and listener abound in the score, and Miss Perry can be trusted to do them full justice. Another good singing part is that of “Rufino,” the rival of “ Paul Jones,’ 5 for the hand of “ Yvonne ” —impersonated by Miss Wells. This lady in the part of “Luiz” in the “ Gondoliers,” proved herself a good actress, with a charming contralto voice and a pleasing stage appearance, and therefore the part of the young Spanish officer is sure to receive full justice at the hands of Miss A. Wells. Miss E. Hatch is “ Malaguena,” a .part more depending upon a dramatic rendering than vocalisation ; straight an 1 farce comedy plays a very big pan in the success of the opera; and in this department Mr Pollard has been most successful in getting a quintet that is sure to give a big account of Uiemselves. Mrs Ivon Wilson leads tile hand in the part of “ Cliopinetto,” the mistress of “The Cod’s Head’’ and wife of the whisky-drinking smuggler “Boullahasse.” Air H. M. Coulson as ‘ P.icoquet.” .the uncle of “Yvonne,” Ins to deal with a character study that trusts for success to the finer type of comedy. The part of “ Trocadero ” (Air Ivon Wilson), “ Bouillahassc ” (Air Pen. ATeGlashnn), “Petit Pcrre’’ (Alasfer Peggie Nash), trust to success on the broad linos of farce comedy. The lady and gentlemen named above as playing the parts—judging from rehearsals—will score heavily. The chorus and orchestra, under the baton of Air Resrenux. are not. only strong in numbers (over a hundred performers taking part), but the tuneful music of “Paul Jones” ’s well and artistically rendered by them. The opera will bo played throe nights to the moderate prices of 3s, 2s and Is, plus tax; and seats for the three nights may now be reserved at Airs Rrovne s free of any charge. A certain portion of the gross receipts will be donated to a Patriotic Hokitika fund.