“THE LILAC DOMINO.”

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXII, Issue 4355, 14 December 1921, Page 2

“THE LILAC DOMINO.”

A SUPERB PERFORMANCE.

ENTHUSIASTIC HOUSE.

Paeroa was signally favoured in the way of entertainment last evening, .when Messrs J. C. Williamson’s musical comedy, “The Lilac Domino,” was performed before a highly enthusiastic audience. Without in any way descending to flattery, it may be said that “The Lilac Domino” is easily the best entertainment of its kind that has ever been witnessed in this town. Unfortunately, so many companies that have visited Paeroa have failed to come up to reasonable expectations; some of them have been s'o poor that the "Gazette” has not seen fit; to make any mention of them at all, good, bad, or indifferent —they have not even been “damned with faint praise.” It is indeed a pleasure for a journal that calls a ■spade a spade to have the opportunity of! commenting on. such fine vocal and histrionic artistry and real comedy as was displayed at the Central Theatre last night. “The Lilac Domino,” though, essentially a comedy of sparkling brilliance with’ never a flat moment, yet somehow contains something of the dignified appeal of grand opera ; tender passion and joyous rev elry and wit alternated and blended to provide a fascinating musical comedy banquet of entertainment. The scenery was much better than has ever previously graced the local stage, and, with the dazzling dresses was enhanced in beauty by the excellent lighting effects produced by the electric wizardry of> Mr Jennings. Mr Bernard Stansfield supplied the stage furniture.

The wearery-of the domino (Ida Leggatt) disclosed the possession of a fine soprano voice of ?,o range and sustained power, ini played the lead with conspicuous dramatic ability, voice and gesture blending with such grace and charm as soon won the hearts of the audience. Mr William Everard, partner of the Lilac Domino, filled the role With cc nspicuous success, admirably sustaining the leading lady, and with ner delighted the patrons in the title song and others. Mr Everard has a manly, resonant voice, and wonderful power of expression; he portrayed great depth of passion with that splendid restraint which the finished artist alone can assume without detracting from the ardour of the “passion grande.” It was fine indeed, to note his wonderfully tender lovemaking. and voice vibrant with emotion, yet, coupled with such engaging reserve. His fine face is full of character, and his command is perfect, Althea Hyde (Baroness Deanville) and Mercia Elliott (Leonie) are also worthy of special mention, -as well as two or three of the chorus' girls whose names were not secured. Mr D. B. O’Connor (Prosper Woodhouse) was the star of the comedy side of ’the performance, his ready wit and inimitable gestures bringing repeated roars of laughter ; he was a “show on his own.” Mr Joseph Scales (Norman Hyde) came a good second, which is saying much ; the pai< are harbingers of gaiety and laughter ; their appeal to risibility is irresistible, their contributions being excellent illustrations of what is meant by the terms “clever fooling.” Space is limited, but Mr Chas. Villiers (Carabana, leader of the Gipsy orchestra) is fully entitled to notice; he played the part of the Spanish musical director, with keen insight and apt characterisation. The musicians accompanied in full sympathy with the varied programme, and the solos and chorus numbers were uniformly acceptable. (A mistake was made in the report in reference to the orchestra, which, it transpires, was never intended to be brought to Paeroa.) It is possible that the Company may be revisiting Paeroa early next year, when there will assuredly be a bumper house to greet them. The fare will probably be the aviation musical comedy, “Going Up,” or the comic opera “Katinka.”