TRIAL BY JURY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9614, 7 October 1909, Page 5

TRIAL BY JURY.

A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE.

There was a large attendance at the Town Hall, last evening, to witness the initial performance of the Masterton Amateur Theatrical Society. The piece chosen was Gilbert and Sullivan's well known dramatic cantata "Trial by Jury." This event has been looked forward to in Masterton with the keenest interest for some time past and it may be said at the outset th.it those present were not only pleased but surprised at the excellence of the presentation, which | far exceeded their expectations M r Gerald C. Branson, under whose direction the performance was staged, is to be congratulated on the succiss of his efforts, it being apparent that an immense amount of j work was involved in bringing to the successful issue not only the "Trial by Jury/' but the varied na-, lure of the items forming "Music on the Lawn," which occupied the first half of the prorgamme. The dramatic cantata was characterised by vim, the participants entering into the spirit of.their work. All the principals acquitted thamsilves in a capable manner. The well-known "Dilemma" chorus, although a trifle shaky at times, was wed handled, Only once did the chorus, in their enthusiasm evidenced an inclination to"rac?." The various parts were promptly taken up, and the promoters deserve no small mead of praiee for the result of their hard work during the iast few weeks. The characteri sation of the plaintiff, a most diffi cult part, was in the hands of Miss E. Jagu, which she upheld most worthily, both her singing and acting denoting exceptional talent. The role of defendant was taken by Mr W. S. Jago, whose true tenor voice was a feature of the piece. Mr Harry Hall gave a distinctly fine impersonation of the learned judge, and tha counsel for defendant had a rrost capable exponent in Mr W. T. Cook. Mr W. Igguiden (usher) brought a minor role into prominence by guod work. All the remaining parts were well carried out. In "Music on t ie Lawn" the stage was most artistically arrange! to represent a garden party scene, special lighting effects Leing introduced. Songs with lull harmonised chorus, solos and duets, were distributed throughout the piece. "I'm Here if I'm Wanted," a comic song by Mr H. Hall, was very successful, his bv play with the servant girl (Miss Baxter) being very clever. Thi3 was followed by an opening chorus by the members of the Theatrical Society, which although well sung was somewhat lacking in body. One of the best songs rendered was that entitled "Pansy Fac§p," sung by Miss M. Cameron. Mr F. H. Elcoate was most successful in his dascriptive song "My Home is Far Away," the staging being real istic, the refrain having a good effect. "Somebody That 1 Know" was really well sung by Mrs H. J. Francis, but she did not receive the assistance from the chorus she should have done, the soft passages being a trifle out at times, but matters righted themselves when the chorus was taken for the last time. The duet "Dainty Dorothea" was executed in a stately manner by Miss D. Cook and G. Ewart the ladies evidencing careful training. "Farwell My Little Yo San," by Mr J. Gray, was a very brignt item, variety being lent to the chor us the second time by the appearanca of "Little Yo San" (little Miss Kendell). The chorus of this was not so successfol as some of the others by reason of the soprano part being too prominent, overwhelming the melody, but nevertheless it was a very pleasing item. An amusing and novel item was "Johnnie Schmoker," a quartette, the parts being taken by Messrs H. J. Francis, W. S. Jago, C Paul and W. Igguiden. Messrs H. Hall and D. Walsh afforded the audience considerable amusement with the rendition of "It Must Be Me," for which they received in undoubted encore. The concluding item was a comedy sketch entitled "The Rehearsal," which kept the audience convulsed with laughter druing the whole proceedings. The characters were sustained by Miss R. Carr as "She," Mr G. Branson "He," and Mr F. H. Elcoate "It." A well-balanced orchestra consisting of fourteen members supplied the music, Miss V. Hampton acting as pianiste.