AUCKLAND BOY GETS HIS CHANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 21, 16 April 1927, Page 21 (Supplement)

AUCKLAND BOY GETS HIS CHANCE

HILTON PORTER IN ‘ ROSE MARIE” When Hilton Porter got a chance to step out in "Rose Marie” and take a >art which he had been under-study - ng, he received flattering notices in he Melbourne newspapers for his vork. The life of an under-study means tours and months of hard work with ittle or no compensation. That comes mly when the actor or actress who has >een playing the part falls ill, and the mder-study is able to show his ability. Mr. Porter is an old King’s College >oy, who is fast making a name for limself on the Australian stage. He oined the “Rose Marie” Company at ts inception in Sydney as under-study o James Hughes, who plays the part >L‘ Sergeant Malone.

This is Mr. Porter’s first engagement with the J. C. Wiliiamson Co., Ltd. His previous stage experience had been gained with the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society, for which he did excellent work. Recently Mr. Hughes became ill and at a moment’s notice Mr. Hilton stepped into the part and carried the day. Here is what the “Australian Graphic” said about him: The Australian cast, as seen on Saturday night, had few weak links, in spite of the fact that one of the leading roles was taken by an under-study. Hilton Porter, who had the difficult job of carrying on in place of James Hughes, did so well that many of the audience failed to realise that anything untoward had occurred. The management was fortunate in having such a capable under-study to step into the role. And the Melbourne “Age” wrote: Hilton Porter * deserves a word of praise for the way in which he acted the part of Sergeant Malone at a moment’s notice. James Hughes, who was playing it in the first act, became suddenly ill, and Mr. Porter stepped into the breach and did the part flawlessly to the end.