AMUSEMENTS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9704, 29 January 1910, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

: "A COUNTRY_GIRL." A crowded house greeted the presentation of "A Country Girl" bv Mr J. C. Williamson's- new Ccmic Opera Company, at the Town Ball last evening. The fine array of musi cal talent, and the vivacious, tune ■ful, and satisfying presentation was -enjoyed to the fullest extent by those present. There was liot one dull moment during the whole evening, and the frequent outbursts o± ehlhisiasm were ample evidence ot this fact. The piece centres round an election in England, the aspirants for the seat being an easy-going youth, with a wealthy parent and a smart, dashing young naval officer, who by the way is quite penniless. This latter young man, who is the hero, arrived on the scene in full naval costume at the right moment after an absence of some years, accompanied by a valet, one Barry, who promptly undertakes to look„after all the electioneering. It is around Barry, whose part is taken by Mr W. S. Percy, thai most of the tun of the evening centres.. Whatever he said or did caused endless merriment, and the climax was reached when he appeared in the sec- ' ond act in that chaste Empire gown, and let the audience into various secrets of Mrs Brown and her privi ileged circle and other amusing incidents connected with the ball. Miss Dorothy Court, who took the pirt of Marjory, sang very sweetly, and her songs were among the best of the evening, particularly that of "Coo." She acted naturally and was deservedly encored. Miss Olive Godwin, as the Princess, took this somewhat difficult part to perfection, her graceful acting, and beautiful singing being a feature of the evening. One of the most delightful studies was that of Sophie, the dressmaker, given by Miss Lottie Sargent, her tuneful voice and quaint acting being greatly appreciated. Mr Herbert Clayton, who took the part of Geoffrey 3halloner, was a great success. He has a magnificent baritone voice, into whch he throws a wonderful amount of expression, and his duets with Miss Court were of a high order of merit. Another remarkably good presentaion was that of "Nan," by Miss Ivy Scott, whose bright singing and merry laughter was quite fascinating. The Rajah in Mr Victor Prince found a most capable interpreter, and his song "Peace, Perfect Peace" fairly captivated the audience, and he received decided encores several times. Two clever representaions were, Mr Arthur LissJ ant's characterisation of Sir Joseph Verity, the wealthy parent of the tired and careless candidate for the election, and'Mr J. K. Hogue, as that youth "Douglas Verity "