“GIPSY LOVE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 807, 30 October 1929, Page 16

“GIPSY LOVE”

HAMILTON AMATEURS’ SUCCESS SOCIETY’S BEST EFFORT From Our Own Correspondent HAMILTON - , Tuesday. “Gipsy Love.” a musical play in three acts, by Franz Lehar. produced in the Theatre Royal, Hamilton, last evening:, by the Hamilton Amateur Operatic Society. CAST Ilona Jessie Richards Julesa Ella Penney Jozsi . . T. Rhydderch Jones Dragotin E. H. Quill. Jolan .. Wynn Manning Rudolph .. .. X. Wright. Rollo . I. Hutchinson. Richard A. S. Buckland Lady Babby Dalrymple .. Myra Booth. Jonei F. Carolan. Dimitreanu Hugh Morton. Kajetan W. H. Frye. Andor . . . A. E. Bouillon. Marischka Doris Rhodes. Zorika Mary McKenzie. Oyra ' Gladys Denz. With a blaze of colour and a wealth of tuneful music, Hamilton’s longawaited theatrical event was presented to an expectant public last evening. “Gipsy Love” is more of an opera than a modern musical play, but its spirit has been aptly caught by the amateur players. Although the modern tradition is reversed by the introduction of more plot than comedy, the liounting melodies, delightful dancing, and attractive costumes make full compensation. In a picturesque Rumanian setting, ample scope is provided for the development of a simple story in which a gipsy musician infatuates the daughter of a nobleman. Though hardly convincing as Ilona, Jessie Richards captivated all with a particularly sweet voice, which was heard to advantage in the duets with the gipsy lover. The latter role was ably interpreted by’ T. Rhydde.rch Jones, who varied the moods of passionate lover and supreme egotist with great facility’. With a glorious voice, which made Lehar’s melodies linger in the memory', and a pleasing personality, Myra Booth was well cast as the English peeress. Ted Quill was a second Falstaff, as the braggart nobleman, although his opportunities for comedy were meagre. Undoubtedly the hit of the evening were the scenes in which W. H. Frye portrayed the overgrown youth who measured love in terms of eatables. In an admirable characterisation which frequently convulsed the house, he had able support from Wynn Manning, whose natural vivacity and charm suited the role. A. E. Bouillon made much of a jovial innkeeper, and F. Carolan filled a minor role well as Ilona's betrothed. Other small parts were carried out satisfactorily by' Ella Penney, Hugh Morton, Doris Rhodes, and Mary McKenzie. As usual, the dancing was well up to past standards. Gladys Denz and her ballet appeared in a series of enchanting ensembles, constituting an optical feast. The chorus work was sounder than it has been for some years, while the orchestra, under the direction of M.r. H. Piper, was a valuable adjunct. Altogether, the producer, Mr. A. E. Manning, and all concerned, have good reason to be proud of the society/s latest success, which is bound to draw crowded houses for the remainder of the week.