ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 156, 27 November 1914, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"SAN TOY" AT TNGLEWOOD. " The New Plymouth Operatic Society travelled to Stratford last night to play the opera, "San Toy." They could not possibly have had a more unpleasant night, as rain fell nearly all day and night. Consequently there was not a packed house, as on the occasion of their two previous visits. But on every side expressions of commendation and approval were to be heard, and the repetitions demanded and roars of laughter at tho comical sides of the play proved that the audience was well pleased, nnd more than satisfied. Mrs. Birch-Johnston as San Toy was a eompelte surprise, she not having appeared in-opera before. Her whole soul was thrown into the work, her singing being excellent, and, despite a had cold, carried through her part with the utmost possible success. Her articulation is remarkably good, and her "business" is well worked out. It was a splendid performance. Mr. Lambert as "Bobbie" was a splendid seeond to "San Toy." Throughout they worked .hand in hand, their duets and general "business" being splendid, particularly their "A.8.C." duct in the first act. Miss K. Bennett as "Dudley" looked far too pretty for an English lady's maid, her costume being just the thing to give contrast to tho color scheme. She acted with perfect coolness, and seemed thoroughly at home. Her articulation was excellent, and though her voice is natur--1 ally of the light mezzo quality, it has certainly improved since last year, and she filled the bill perfectly. Mrs. Dell did the honors of an English lady on a tour with all possible success, hor singing and acting being a marvel, carefully thought-out and well done. In a hasty sketch of a pleasant evening we cannot, possibly omit Mr. W. McEwen. He was even better than ever, his drollery being carried out to perfection. He sustained the. comical side of the piece, both with Dudley (Miss K. Bennett), ",Ko Fan" (Miss Hooker), "Sing Hi" (Mr. Stainton), and the ladies of tho Emperor's guard. Ho more than satisfied a critical audience. Mr. Bradbury, as scenic artist, again scored a complete success. His design and color schemes are again in perfect, sympathy, his interior in the second act being moro striking than anything he has previously done, the effect being rich, and, when well lighted, gives a splendid background to tho movements of the actors. When the curtain rose for the second act the audience broke into rounds of applause, testifying to the strikiqg'gffeet produced. The No wPlymouth audience may look for a splendid performance on tho Bth and 9th. Tho society can confidently expect to play to two packed houses.

DOftOTHY AT INGLEWOO9. Last night "Dorothy" made her bow to an Inglcwood audience, and, despite th'"i iifitvcrable weather, &h(> was greeted by a gviod audience, who were much, pleased with the performance submitted by the TnjrlowoQJl Amateur Operatic Society, showing Their appreciation by unstinted applause mid by lavishing f.oral tributes on their favorites. At the start, tDio aidiionock like* the, weather, appeared unsympathetic, but thev quickly tliav.v.l. ' The piece was well stajrod, tho droning being a feature, wliih.t the clinnises tlirnilirlioul "ere good, tho n'.en beir.<r epaiu st'nnof. "Dorothy" was an ambition? unrle/taking for a comparatively small society like Inglewoodto tackle, but tln-v wpie through ,tne ordeal well and the second performance to-night, when anv im. 1 crfrctions due to nervousness will he worn off, should be worth witnessing. The title role was taken rby Miss %. Lang, who scored a decided su«casa,/(w did other members of was a strong .one. The leta arrange^b^^r^|j^^a9u||