THE STRELLA AMATEURS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 June 1922, Page 5

THE STRELLA AMATEURS.

A CLEVER COMPANY* There was a large attendance at tfid opening night of the Strella Amateurs in the Workers* Hall last night. Every item was heartily appreciated and the recalls were many and fully deserved. The piece presented by Mrs. Stuart Russell’s talented company was entitled “The Dress Rehearsal,” by G. R. Sims and Louis Diehl. Mrs. George’s orchestra furnished the musical parts, ably conducted by Mr. F. W. G. McLeod. The cast was as follows: —Miss Jones (Principal of Grove House Academy), Miss Hartnell; Mrs. Jarvey (teacher of elocution), Miss Leitch; Miss Fibbs (Cinderella), Miss Cantell; Martha Higgins and Clara Jackson (spiteful sisters), Misses Bree and Kivell; Epinard (French Governess), Miss Mouat; Miss Wilkins (the Prince), Miss Lovegrove; Sarah Ann (the Greedy Girl), Mies Hay; Miss Pinchbeck (a Visitor). Miss Campbell; Rose Jennings (Fairy Godmother), Miss Ranger; Sophonisba Spivina (Romantic Girl) Miss Aitken; servants—■

Miss George, and Miss Johnson; Policeman, Miss K. Christoff el; Chorus of Students —Misses Anthony, Bates (2), Chris toff el (2), Crozier, Doughty, Johnson, M‘Leod, Mannix (2), Purdne, and Watkins. » Miss Hartnell, as principal, had a streh-, nous part toplay, and carried it out exceptionally well. Her song “Your Parents are Invited” was greatly appreciated. Martha Higgins was played (by Miss Bree, who was heard to advantage in “Oft in Dreamland,” and had to respond to an encore. A classical dance by Miss George was also encored. A, trio, “Oh You Cruel Girl,” sung by Martha Higgins, Clara Jackson and Cinderella caused great amusement, and thoroughly deserved the encore. Miss Leitctt as Mrs. Jarvey was a great success, both her acting and singing being of a! very high order, her solo “As Time Rolls Along” was a treat. Miss E. Mouat, though she did not have a very, heavy part, as the French Governess, acted in a finished manner, and. her

singing of “Ah Love, True Love” evoked much appreciation. The Fairy Godmothe and Cinderella were heard to advantage in the duet “You Shall be the Belle of the Ball.” Miss Hay, as the Greedy Girl, deserves special mention, with her little appropriate asides. She was the x recipient of a basket of which caused great merriment. The choruses were well rendered, especially the last one, “Now Again We All Arq Jolly.”

The play will be repeated to-night and a<3 half the proceeds go to aid the War, Memorial Fund there should be another good house. Taken all through thei geperal acting and singing of the young ladies reflect great credit upon Mire* Stuart Russell and her able assistants.