ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 137, 1 December 1911, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"IOLAXTirE" AT IJfGLEWOO'B; (By Telegraph.--Own Correspondent). Inglewood, Last Night. Seldom if ever have playgoers had the good fortune to witness a more unique performance than that staged by the Inglewood Operatic Society this evening, and from the rise to the fall of the curtain the opera went with a swing and gusto that even professionals might well be proud of. The success of the opera is duo entirely to the. untiring efforts of the stage manageress, Mrs. Mcßeth, who, having had a considerable amount of experience in stage dressing and acting, and who herself is an acress of no no small liability. The conductor (Mr. 11. Cottier) is to be complimented upon the manner in which he has worked to bring the principals and chorus up to their present high standard. In the middle of the second act the firebell rang, and the consequent exodus consequently affected the proceedings for the time being.

The orchestra was led by Mr. A. 1.. I Cook, of New Plymouth, which fact in itself is a sufficient guarantee that nothing was left to be desired. The limelight effects by Mr. G. Duffil proved that lie is an artist of some ability. The solo, "Oh Foolish Fay," by "The Queen of the Fairies" (Mrs. A. Mcßeth) was a treat, her fine contralto voice being heard to great advantage. She had to respond to a double encore. The duet by "Strephon" (Mr. G. Beadle) and "Phyllis" (Miss Stevens) was well rendered, and the voices blended admirably. The singing and acting of the "Lord Chancellor" (Mr. J. H. Rowe) showed finish and style. He was hoard to great advantage in his solo, "When I went to the Bar." "Lord Mount Ararat" (Mr. H, Thomson) scored ,a decided hit in his rendering of solo, "When Britons ruled the Waves," and an encore was demanded. "Earl Tolloler's" (Mr. A. Hyne's) tenor voice was heard to great advantage in his solo, "Spurn not the nobly born," an encore being insisted on. "lolanthe" (Mrs. H. Thomson), although slightly nervous, rendered her ballad, "My lord, a suppliant at thy feet I kneel," in a pleasing manner. "Private Willis" (Mr. A. Patterson)' was good as a sentry, and carried out his part well. The principal fairies acquitted themselves splendidly. The opening chorus by the fairies in their pretty dresses made a charming picture. Their singing was much appreciated in the "Peers' Chorus," which was one of the special features of the opera, and all seemed well pleased with their acting and singing. The dresses worn by the principals were charming and pretty to a degree. The Society is to be congratu--1 lated upon their performance, which was of a high order, and well deserved the > plaudits of the largo audience. The one regrettable fea'ture is that the accommodation of the Parish Hall is so restricted. The opera will be repeated agaia to-morrow night and should draw, as it deserves, a crowded house.