CONCERT AT NGATEA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4688, 16 April 1924, Page 1

CONCERT AT NGATEA.

A SPECTACULAR DISPLAY. •jonicthlng out of the ordinary was staged at Ngatea on Saturday evening, when a party of Patetonga amateurs presented the Japanese operetta “Princess Ju Ju.”’ Unfortunately the failure of the electric power delayed the commencement of the entertain - ment, with the result that many persons uid not wait. However, those who were present were amply repaid, for the performance was probably the most spectacular ever staged in Ngatea. Amateurs though they were, and handicapped by the smallness of the stage and the depressing influence of a small audience, the entertainment they presented was of sio mean order, and would compare favourably with many professional shows in .the large centres. The staging was good, the costumes brilliant, and the acting, of decided merit In the title role Mrs W. J. Lloyd played her part with distinction, while the part of the peppery potentate. Emperor Hokipokitippitoptop, who sang about having heads. chop-chopp-ed, might have been created for Mr 3. Walters. Mr D. Pike ably took the part of the Prince, who. disguised as a minstrel, came to the Court to claim the Princess Ju Ju as his bride, but. having been robbed of his credentials. he and his companions were looked upon as Imposters, and after being told that they would be beheaded on the morrow were ordered to amuse the Emperor. Woeful indeed were their songs,’ but amusing their antics, especially those of Fu Shu (Mr A. Smedley). With the aid of Abud Hiram, the magician (Mr T. Burgess), and his three spirits of the night, the princess recovers certain jewels, and just as the executioner (Mr W. Arms) is about to commence work she arrives and proves the claims of the prince. The minor parts were all capably handled. As maidens attendant on the pr’ncess, Mesdames J. Wallace, L. darken, L. Collins, L. Cumberland, M. Wallace, M. O’Conner, and M. Blackburn all had a part. Tn addition there were dancing maidens, spirits of the night, courtiers, and a chorus. The musical numbers were good, especially those by Mrs Lloyd, Miss Blackburn, and Miss J. Wallace. The entertainment, promoted for the amusement of the company and to raise funds for the tennis club, reflected great credit on the organisers. It is possible that the company will make a short tour during the winter months.