“A COUNTRY GIRL.”

Otago Witness, Issue 4030, 9 June 1931, Page 45

“A COUNTRY GIRL.”

Tn the < scintillating and melodious musical comedy, “A Country Girl,” the members of the Dunedin Operatic Society excelled themselves, the production being easily the best which the society has yet played. It was obvious that the players had undergone an intensive and arduous preparation, for, although the society had had only five weeks in which to work up the parts and concerted numbers, a particularly high standard of entertainment was maintained throughout, reflecting great credit on the work of the producer, Mr F. H. Lainpen, and the players themselves. The work of the local artists, both soloists and members of the chorus, was worthy of the highest commendation, and gave eloquent testimony as to their keenness and enthusiasm. The principal male role, that of Geoffrey Chai loner, a commander in the Royal Navy, was admirably filled by Mr Arthur Lungley', who made a manly and engaging sailorman. His pleasing baritone voice was heard to goo-1 effect in several solos, including “ In the King’s Name, Stand,” and the old favourite “My Own Little Girl,” whilst in conjunction with Miss Gwenda Burt, who gave a very appealing characterisation of the part of Marjorie Joy’, the little country girl who becomes a great actress, he also acquitted himself with conspicuous success in the duet “ Boy and Girl.” Miss Burt’s performance was characterised by a grace and assurance which eminently suited her part. In addition to her duet with Mr Lungley, Miss Burt’s rich soprano was given excellent expression in the solo “ Coo,” which she sang with distinct artistry. Miss Lettie de Clifford was excellent in the soubrette part of Nan. the little village flirt, her vivacity and charm making her an instant favourite with the audience. Her solos, the catchy “ Try Again, Johnny,” and “ I Can Laugh, I Can Love,” were delightful pieces of vocalisation and showed Miss de Clifford at her best. The part of Sir Joseph Verity, the new village squire, who is so desirous of getting his fatuous son elected to Parliament, was given a - masterly interpretation by Mr -F. H. Lainpen, who revelled in the role of the slightly inane yet flighty old lord of the village. As Barry, Geoffrey' Chaljoner’s servant, Mr Stan Lawson was granted almost unlimited opportunities for the presentation of light-hearted comedy, all of which lie seized with both hands. As. a comedian, he . was the life of the entertainment. Moreover, as a female impersonator Mr Lawson has few equals. He was heard to good effect in the numbers “-Yo Ho, Little Girls,” and “ When ’ I Was a Girl,” whilst, with Miss Anita Winkel, he \ gave every satisfaction in the duets. Miss M inkel, as Madame Sophie, besides giving Mr Lawson admirable support in the comedy section of the entertainment, was herself responsible for some delightful solo performances, notably her singing of “ My Partners,” a character sketch in which Miss Winkel thoroughly enjoyed herself. Mr Reg. Tapley made a splendid Rajah of Bhong, and carried his characterisation through with complete assurance and a keen sense of comedy values. His fine singing voice was heard to great advantage in the wellknown “ Rajah of Bhong,” and later in “ Peace, Peace,” an amusing number in which a variety of topical hits was presented. Miss Freda Elmes, who is wellknown to Dunedin concert audiences, was particularly well suited to the part of the Princess of Bhong, which she played with striking success. Her singing of “ Under the Deodar ” was one of the vocal hits of the evening, whilst she was also prominent ip some of the concerted numbers. Mr J. Liddell Kelly was sufficiently vacuous and inane as Lord Verity’s son, whilst Mr Angus Gorrie made an imposing Lord Anchester. Miss Erana Newbold made a delightful old nurse, and Mr J. B. M’Conncll (Mummery), Mr Wilfred Robbins (Rube), Mr R. Piper (Major Vicat), Mr R. White (Lord Grassmere), Miss Jessie M’Lennan (Mrs St. Quinton), Miss Molly Baker (Miss Courtlands), Miss Hilda M. Smith (Miss Ecroyd) and Misses Shona Drumm, Joan Drumm, Minnie Frapwell, and Olive Vennail (Indian 'attendants) gave very creditable performances. A feature of the performance as a whole was the concerted singing by the company. In all the other choruses the company gave of its best, which was very good indeed. TheAvork of the ballet was particularly enjoyable, whilst an excellent specialty dance was presented by Miss Vivienne Lamb and Mr Cecil Cockburn. The frocking and general stage setting were charming, whilst the scenery, although. simple, displayed an attention to detail on the part of the producers which was distinctly laudable. A .word of praise must also be given to the orchestra, which, under the control of Mr T. J. Kirk-Burnnand, the musical director of the society, and led by Mr Maitland M'Cutcheon, maintained a commendably high standard of musical effort throughout the performance. “ The Country Girl ” concluded a highly successful season on Saturday night.