ELTHAM NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1926, Page 2

ELTHAM NEWS

THE PRODUCTION “DOROTHY.”

ENTRANCING COMIC OPERA

REHEARSALS NOW COMPLETE.

(From Our. Own Reporter.) - Jclthani, Nov. 16.

Delightful voices, strong and sweet, gorgeous scenery, elaborate costumes, entrancing music aird sparkling comedy. These are some of the factors which contribute to the outstanding success of the Eltham Musical Society's rehearsals of its production “Dorothy,” which is now ready' for production. The variety of scenes in the threeacts which are necessary to explain the amusing tangle in the love affairs of the enterprising Geoffrey Wilder and his friend Harry' Sherwood, sustain an unusual interest throughout, which, unless the audiences are spellbound with admiration, should mount to at least three climaxes, when the swelling volume of seventy full voices should find unbounded enthusiasm and appreciation of the exceptional musical treat provided in the score of “Dorothy.” A Daily .News representative who was present at the final dress rehearsal was struck by the effectiveness of the opera and the higb standard of ability, both in voice and bearing, displayed by the principals. Moreover, the skill of the producers has ensured memorable entrances and elever exits, which at once take the opera out of the plane of mediocrity and raise it to a level of professional efficiency. As a first production of this magnitude, the east and chorus, together with the augmented orchestra under the baton of Mr. A. Beesley, are to be congratulated upon a very fine interpretation of an excellent, though difficult comic opera, which should merit crowded houses over their Taranaki season.

The society is fortunate in having the senvices of Mrs. Leonard Nodder with her clear, strong voice and vivacious acting to take the leading role of “Dorothy.” She at once creates a personality' and captivates interest, showing herself equally at home as a village maiden and a gorgeously' dressed lady of fashion. In “Dorothy” she has frequently to appear in company with Miss Alison Wilson as Lydia Hawthorne, and these two principals in themselves go a long way to place the seal of merit on the production. Mr. E. Carson makes an ideal Squire Bantam, his portly presence and commanding voice admirably fitting him for the part. The two male leads, Jack Burns as Geoffrey' Wilder, and Ernest E. Carter as Harry Sherwood, both possess fine baritones full of timbre and carrying power, and are heard to advantage in choral and solo work alike. In this connection “Dorothy” is well chosen, for the opera lends itself to solos, trios, quartettes, sextettes and choruses, for which it would be difficult to find more suitable principals. Humour of a refreshingly original nature is introduced by the irrepressible Lurcher, a bailiff intent on business (Mr. Fred Silver), who, apart from his ridiculous appearance and antics, possesses a good voice and uses it to advantage. The balance of the cast are equally fitted to their respective parts. In fact, there is not a weak principal in the production. The chorus of hop pickers, peasants, guests, bridesmaids, huntsmen, etc., gains' effectiveness from the numbers of male voices, and the refrains of the popular airs are taken up with vigour and harmony on each occasion. The wardrobe mistresses, Mesdames Carson, Marchant and Parsons, have been assiduous in the preparation of the numerous handsome costumes. Mr. E. Corlett, the wellknown scenery' artist, of Stratford, has surpassed himself in the beauty of the stage appearance, while the producers (Messrs. Cardston and Baxter), have again shown the good taste and skilful conception which has already marked productions with which they have been associated in Taranaki as distinct successes. The season will open at Elthani next Wednesday, and will run for five nights as follows: Eltham, Wednesday- and Thursday-, November 17 and 18; Stratford, Friday, November 19; Hawera, Thursday and Friday, November 25 and 26th. MAGISTRATE’S COURT. The Magistrate's Court sat in Eltham to day-, Mr. R. W. Tate, S.M., presiding. Judgment by default was given for the Egmont Box Company, Ltd. for £BB 2s 6d against F. Lucas (costs £5 4s); and for D. Nees against R. Ridsdale for £l4 3s (costs £1 3s). His Worship non-suited plaintiff on the ground that lie did nof prove his case in the case in which J. I. Jones claimed from D. Graham the sum of £8 10s, or the recovery of a cow valued at £8 10s. Evidence had been taken at previous sittings of the Court. Costs amounting to £2 9s were allowed defendant. James Spence junr., who rode a motorcycle along Bridge Street without a light on October 30, at 8.30 p.m., was fined £1 (costs 7s). Because he wanted a “kettle of wine to take to a dance, a young man named Walter Harvey, oT Awatuna, went to the Dominion Hotel, Kaponga, at 8 p.m. on November 4. While on the premises he was accosted by a constable and was subsequently charged with being on licensed premises after hours. This offence, which was his first, cost him £1 (costs 13s). H. J. Jacobsen was ordered to pay forthwith £6 on account of maintenance to his wife (costs £1 6s) and the hearing was adjourned to the December sitting. An application for the variation of the order, at present for £2 a week, was lodged by defendant’s counsel.