"SAN TOY."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 157, 9 December 1914, Page 4

"SAN TOY."

A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE.; BY NEW PLYMOUTH AMATEURS. The New Plymouth Amateur Operatic Society last night added still another to its long list of successes by producing in a manner most creditable to all. concerned Sidney Jones' well-known comic opera "San Toy." The Theatre ' Royal was packed in all parts, and the audience was heartily appreciative of the really excellent work of the members of the Society, and of the presentation of the opera as a whole. "San Toy," is not the easiest of operas to produce—it requires playing. The framework of the story is so slight—and, to be candid, so incredible—that the clothing | of this skeleton with the delights of an opera is a task demanding of those who | interpret it a high standard of excellence, not only in the principals but also in the supporting players. The New Plymouth Operatic Society, containing amongst its members quite a large number who arc familiar with the boards, has thoroughly graped the spirit of the author of "San Toy," and the inj terpretation last night waa probably the finest piece of work the Society has produced.

New Plymouth is exceedingly for- j tunate in possessing amongst the ranks : of its amateur theatricals a lady capable of such a finished interpretation of the name-part of "San Toy" as so fully delighted the audience last night. It demands a merry, laughing naturo; sparkling wit; a good voice, and all the j attributes of a charming soubrette. Mrs | "Birch-Johnston was vivacity itself, and [ scored a continuous success, the lieartl- ! ness of her initial reception no doubt I assisting in giving some of the neces- | sary inspiration, which was kept warm 'by the plaudits of the house and the generally excellent support of the company. Whether in soliloquy or in dialogue, in solo or concerted musical numbers, in merry mood or in solemn, "San Toy" was always delightful, her manner charming. Some of her scenes with Captain "Bobby" Preston (Mr Lambert) bore the hall-mark of excellence. "A Boy Sometimes," and "Somebody" wore her most successful solos, and the duet "China Maid," with Mr Lambert, was the gem of the evening's vocal work. The opera would be lacking in 3nap with anything like a second-rater in the role of Li. Mr Will McEwen, who made his name and local fame as Wun . Hi in "The Geisha," is the finest amateur comedian in an Oriental role that we have seen. Always full of quips , and antics, with delightful "pidgin" English, and almost I inimitable drolleries, V"'ing a knack for eccentric dancing and ■ .getting the last ounce of any situation in which lie is j placed, Mr McEwen kept his audience in roars of laughter just whenever lie ] liked. His work as the captain of the Amazon guard was perhaps liis best, yet he was irresistibly funny, too, in his ever-bubbling love scenes and in his acting o£ an English beau. "Me gettec out quick," in the second part, was a good character song. He had an admirable foil in Miss •Kathleen Bennett as Dudley, the lady's maid, who, whilst i airing a well-bred English contempt for the funny little Chinaman, made the most of liis display of affection, and kept the fun going merrily. Miss Bennett is a favourite with Taranaki audiences, and is to-day more firmly established than ever. The part of Dudley is not a particularly good one, yet none can look back on "San Toy" without finding prominent in the mind's eye this charm-'

ing little lady, who absolutely "made" the part. Possessed of a sweet voice, Miss Bennett infused spice and sauce into all her singing, her oustanding numbers being "The Lady's Maid," and "Rhoda." She was also associated with Li in some clever duets, and introduced some clever dancing. These, were certainly the outstanding characters. Mr Alf. Gray, as Yen How, the mandarin, was quite as dignified as any manarin need be, and gave a finished interpretation of the part, pleasing greatly with his singing of "Six Little Wives." Mrs Dell was entrusted the part of "Poppy," and it was well played, whilst also giving opportunity for a fine rendering of "A Posy from over the Seas." Of the many other characters, it can be said that each fitted wpll into the general scheme, and did his or her work well. The ballet was spoiled by the unfortunate temporary failure of the limelight apparatus, but in this and all the other dancing there was a finish not always associated with amateur productions. Musically, too, "San Toy" was a complete success. The vocal numbers, choruses, and the orchestral selctions and accompaniments are a credit to the Society and to its excellent conductor, Mr R. Neville Renaud, on whose shoulders must be placed much of the credit for last night's success. It is not fair to leave until near the last a mention of the scenery. Mr A. M. Bradbury is to be heartily congratulated upon his excellent work. The Oriental rural scene in the first part was [ very fine, and so was the representation of the colonnade in the Imperial Chinese palace. The opera is likewise splendidly mounted and gorgeously dressed, representing the splendour of the Oriental Court life. The stage management throughout was in most capable hands, and the movements well controlled. "San Toy" is to be repeated to-night.-Already the booking for the second performance is large, and it is safe to say that when last night's audience has given its version of the opening performance in New Plymouth the remaining scats will soon bo booked. It a performance of which the Society—and, for tiiat matter, New Plymouth—has every reason to be proud. '