ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1922, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“KATINKA.” A DELIGHTFUL OPERA. Fresh laurels were gained by Mr. D. B. O’Connor’s company of talented players last night, when “Katinka” was presented at the Empire Theatre. Much has been, heard of late about this charming Russian light opera, and the players must have been flattered by the enthusiastic reception accorded to them by a large audience as the story was unfolded. The company has also established a reputation for bright, catchy music, and this was again a feature of last night’s performance, though the thread of the story was not lost in consequence. The opera was presented in three acts, the settings being at Yalta, a Russian port on the Black Sea, at Constantinople, and in a Parisian cafe.

The title role was filled by Miss Ida Leggatt, whose part fitted her to> perfection, and added yet another triumph to her previous ones. She also has a delightful soprano voice, her rendering of “Rackety-Koo” being especially well received. Another artiste who bore a heavier role than previously was Miss Mercia Elliott as Mrs. Helen Hopper, and her interpretation of the part was splendid. ’ Mr. D. B. O’Connor again had the opportunity to display his abilities, this time as an American, Thaddeus T. Hopper. Monsieur Knopf, a restaurant keeper, was in the able hands of Mr. Joseph Scales. Mr. Harry Charters, who took a lighter character in previous performances, showed his versatility by appearing in the heavier part of a Russian ambassador, Boris Strogoff, which he interpreted admirably. Mr. Wm. Evorard, as Ivan Dimitri, was also very successful. Lesser parts were sustained by Messrs. Chas. Villiers (Abdul) and W. Brown (Petrov) and Misses Ella Hudson (Varenka), Jean Carlton (Tatiana), Althea Hyde (Olga). Addye Williams, Gwen Gibbs, Peggy Nott, Ray Nott, and Mae Allan (Circassian dancers).

“THE GIRL FOR THE BOY

To-morrow night (Friday), on account of numerous requests, Mr. D. B. O’Connor has decided to stage H. D. Macintosh’s great Tivoli Theatre success, “The Girl for the Boy.” It was this musical conjedy in wl>ch Miss- Lee White and Mr. Clay Smith created quite a sensation. The musical numbers, which are all well-known, to be rendered by Mr. O’Connor and Miss Ida Leggatt, who will again head the cast, include “Dardanella” with special Eastern ballet and setting, “He’s Coming Home,” and “Where There’s a Girl There’s a Boy.” A complete change of wardrobe and scenery will again be made. New ballets and choruses will also help along another bright musical production. Mr. O’Connor has altered his tour arrangements in order to stage Ithis musical comedy to-morrow and another big house is assured him for his farewell night. Box plans are at Collier’s. where seats may foe reserved without extra charge, .......... -