"THE MIKADO."

Taranaki Daily News, 27 October 1915, Page 4

"THE MIKADO."

OPERATIC SOCIETY'S EFFORT, FOE THE WOUNDED SOLDIERS' FUND. A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE. The New Plymouth Amateur Operatic Society, which has been in, existence for some years, decided a few months ago that their production for 1915 shonld be made a special effort, and that the proceeds should be devoted to one of the greatest patriotic causes we now have to consider, namely, the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. The. amateurs have given some excellent performances in past years, notably "Dorothy," "Pirates of Penzance," "The Geisha," "A Country Girl," and "San Toy," and of these local playgoers entertain pleasurable recollections. In deciding on "The Mikado' for their production this year, the Society were rather ambitious (if they will pardon us for saying so), for this opera is (with, perhaps, the exception of "The Yeomen of the Guard") the greatest work of those delightful collaborators, Girbert and Sullivan, and it demands exceptionally capable treatment. Therefore, the success achieved last night was particularly gratifying, and was again evidence that the New Plymouth Operatic Sooiety is pretty hard to beat as an amateur body for public amusement, Criticism of an amateur performance is i always difficult; it is sometimes unjust, if one judges by a first night performance. There were the usual inseparable difficulties last night, but, taking the production as a whole, it was an extremely creditable one, and there is no doubt that the minor defects that were apparent will be remedied, and to-night's performance should go with a delightful swing and finish. Last evening the amateurs gave a capital rendering of this great and quaintly humorous work, and the applause that welcomed the artists and their contributions was testimony that the Society had "made good"—as they deserved to. The pity of it was that I the Royal was not packed. The audience was no by any means commensu&te with thfe excellence of the performance, nor with the object for which the ladies and gentlemen of the Society are striving. Frankly, the attendance was disappointing. A beautiful musical play, finely produced, capably acted by persons of recognised ability, and for one of the worthiest of all causes, should not be played, as it was last night, to an arra j of empty benches in some parts of the house.

The Society is to be warmly complimented on the manner in which they produced the opera. The scenery from the brush of Mr. A. M. Bradbury, is gorgeous; the stage management, under the direction of Mr. A. C. Downes, could scarcely have been bettered, and the limelight effects, supplied by the Empire Pictures management, were well worked. The orchestra, under the baton of Mr. R. C. Renaud, was admirable, and their efficiency was a noticeable feature. In fact, it was palpable that no efforts had been spared to render the production the success it was, and for this alone the Society deserves praise. Among the individual performers, Miss Maud Peart shone. A better exponent for the part of the ■ elderly Katislia could have been secured. She gave a splendid rendering of the part of the aged and rather disagreeable spinster. Her recitative and solo, "Alone and Yet Alive," was the gem of the evening, and Miss Peart scored a triumph in it. The professional experience of this talented young lady was very noticeable, and certainly had the 'effect of "hardening" the performance in those scenes in which she appeared. As the three little maids from school, Misses I. and V. Gilbert and K. Bennett were quite delightful. Their work showed a finish that is seldom found in amateur performances, and in both their singing and acting not a fault could be found. As Ko-Ko (Lord High Executioner), Mr. J. W. Haslam achieved a huge success, and maintained the -deserved popularity he enjoys in local theatrical circles. Mr. Alf, Gray ably supported him as Pooh Bah (the Lord High Everything Else), and he had a really good grasp of the character. Mr. A. M. MacDiarmid was capital as the Mikado, carrying out his part with dignity and effect. His solo went capitally. Mr. E. Clark, as Nanki-Poo (the wandering minstrel) was not quite at home in the part, and his vocal efforts were not.bo good as they will probably be to-night. As i'ish Tush, Mr. W. H. Broome was quite satisfactory. The chorus work, both of the ladies and gentlemen, was particularly good, and the Society possesses a strong asset for any production whatever in the material at command. Indeed, the work of the chorus was, last riight, the most pleasing feature of the production; it was genuinely good. Another feature was the ballet that was introduced at the end of the first act by six voun» ladies—Misses Davidson, Elliottt, 'Howson, Jenkins, Mouatt, and Pellew. It roused the audience to enthusiasm, and part of it had to be repeated. It was a distinct "score" for the young ladies and Misses Ivy Gilbert and Ivy Davidson, who arranged it. The music for the ballet was "Rangitoto," which was compased by the late A. V. Carbines (killed at Gallipoli) and was specially orchestrated by Mr. Renaud. The opera will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night, and, apart from the object of the performances, it should attract packed houses. "The Mikado," as given by the New Plymouth amateurs, is well worth seeing. It's a good show I