MASTERTON AMATEUR THEATRICAL COMPANY

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10718, 12 September 1912, Page 5

MASTERTON AMATEUR THEATRICAL COMPANY

"H.M.S. PINAFORE." The Masterton Amateur Theatrical Company produced Mr W. S. Gilbert's delightful opera "H.M.S. Pinafore" in the Masterton Town Hall last evening to a crowded and captivated audience. Old as, the opera may be—it was first staged in May, 1878—oftproduced as it has been in this and other centres, the pretty choruses, the charming'ballads, tho parts songs, the vari-coloured dresses, and the brilliant sotting of the piece appealed to tho audience as though it were the latest production in comic opera. Tho story of the opera has been so .often and' eloquently told, that it is unnecessary to repeat it here. Suffice to say that, as the name implies, the incidents arc furnished from life upon n British man-o'-war. The stage was so constructed as to make one imagine that the bluejackets and merry maidens were skipping the decks of a battleship, nnd that beyond was the sea ( and squadron in reality. The scenic and stage effects were really splendid, and reflected great credit upon tho artists. The lighting was perfect, and the electric and coloured displays made by the Masterton Picture Company added to the picturesqueness of the'various scenes. The choruses were full and well-balanced, and the evolutions were cleanly executed, leaving nothing at all to be desired. < There was .just a sensation of stiffness in tho early part of the performance, I but as the'night wore on this disap- J peared, and chorus and principals [ '■seemed to revel in their work. The introduced items were very much appreciated. The sailor's hornpipe produced by Miss L. Roberts was an exceedingly creditable performance, and /•-is vociferously encored. Tho horn'Sjpe danced by Misses J. Miller, HVjnzonberg, Kelly, Hatch, V. Tait | ar ' 1). Moore was also skilfully and pleasingly executed. The whole of the principals took their parts in an admirable manner. Mrs H. J. Fran- 1 cis quite excelled herself as "Josephine" (the Captain's daughter), her enunciation being good, hei'_ acting .graceful and her singing delightful. . Mrs A. "H. Daniel!, as "Hebe" (Sir Joseph's cousin) also acquitted herself well her movements being symmetrical and her songs well rendered. Miss B. Johnson had a rather dimcult part in "Little Buttercup." but she plaved it faithfully, and well. Mr H. V. Green filled tho important part of "Captain Corcoran" in a most creelitable manner. Hi- movements were a trine stiff and his delivery rather weak. His general demeanour,, however, was dignified, and his fine tenor voice was heard to great advantage. Mr Harry Hall made an excellent First Lord of the Admiralty, .his acting throughout displaying a true conception of the character. Mr W S Ja"o "ave a splendid interpretation of ""Ralph Rackstraw" His enunciation was really good, -his actin" natural throughout, and his singing quite a treat. Mr Gerald Suttor, made the most of the rather difficult. part of "Dick Deadeye," win e Mr \\ . Iggulden, as "Bill Botatay " ■ Mr J. Grav as "Bob Beckett," and Master,, Keith Sncll as Midshipman gave very creditable performances. As an amateur entertainment, it is safe to say no better had been .seen in Masterton. Not a little of the cwxht for the success of the performance was due to the orchestra, which produced tho accompaniments. ; and incidental music in a most plesamg manner. Mi R J Young (the conductor), has reason to feel proud at the smoothness with which tho piece ran from start to finish, and at the splendid reception it was accorded. The opera is to be repeated to-night, when we have no doubt there will be another, bumper liaafie. ><v