“HIGH JINKS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 482, 11 October 1928, Page 14

“HIGH JINKS”

HAMILTON AMATEURS’ SUCCESS “High Jinks,” a musical farce in three acts, by Ogden Hartley. Music by Rodrick Freeman. Presented at the Theatre Royal, Hamilton, on Tuesday evening by the Hamilton Operatic Society. CAST Dr. Thorne - - - - C. E. Shakeshaft Florence - - Mrs. Tabor-Gregory M. Rabelais ----- Mr. M. Sommerville Madame Rabelais - - Mrs. A. E. Bouillon Mrs. Marion Thorne - - Miss Zelda Mason IMck Wayne ------- Mr. E. H. Quill Colonel Slaughter - - - - Mr., F. Carolan Mr. J. J. Jeffreys - - - Mr. C. Sutcliffe Sylvia Dale . . .. Miss Edna Langmuir Adelaide Fontaine - Miss Doris Wheeler Mile. Chi-Chi ------ Miss Gladys Dens Page - -- -- -- - Miss D. Clapham The event of Hamilton’s theatrical year was ushered in on Tuesday evening, when a crowded house witnessed the Initial presentation of - “High Jinks.” Although the success of last year’s “Katinka” was far from eclipsed, the latest production stands as a tribute to the society, whose reputation is widely known. “High Jinks” would get a poor reception from the public if it were staged by professionals, because of its threadbare plot bristling with unnecessary complications. its lack of witty dialogue and its general pre-war tradition. In a measure the society has realised these defects and partial compensation has been made with bright ensembles and eccentric dances, in which the deft hand of Mrs. Cecily Tabor-Gregory can be clearly traced. Another strong feature of the show was its delightfully catchy music, admirably interpreted by Mrs. H. C. Ross’s orchestra. All the ballets bore evidence of strenuous training, and most of them, led by the sprightly Gladys Denz, were charming. Particularly novel and topical was the aviation ballet, in which a human plane was constructed. In “I Want a Boy” Mrs. Gregory and Miss Denz were accorded an ovation. A priceless piece of clowning was indulged in- by the male chorus, and Mr. Ken Bade in a mock ballet. In the third act a dainty interlude was provided by Mr. L J. Hutchinson and Miss G. Cracknell. As the American “who was not related to the great boxer,” Mr. C. Sut-cliffe-contributed a faithful characterisation, while Mr. Ted Quill played the role of juvenile lead with perfect naturalness. His “stage presence” was remarkably well cultivated, and his love scenes with Miss Edna Langmuir were excellently executed. Mr. M. Sommerville was heardly convincing as the Frenchman, but his turn with Miss Langmuir in “Not Now But Later” was a popular number. Whatever husbands, wives and sweethearts became peevish a whiff of “high jinks” perfume was calculated to restore all to good