MASCOTTE DRAMATIC CLUB.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 201, 9 June 1893, Page 3

MASCOTTE DRAMATIC CLUB.

The kind attentions of Jupiter Pluviirs which, in the past, had been bestowed with lavish hands by that tickle, though much courted, personage upon the above Club, were rudely terminated by the boisterous evening which ushered in their performance of Balfe’s romantic opera “ Satanella ” —to wit, Saturday, June 3rd. The night was one of darkness, rain, and wind, and this combination of urqoleasantries no doubt deterred many from forsaking the warmth of their firesides for the cheerless journey to the Kopuru Hall; hut the enjoyment derived at its completion must have more than repaid the momentary discomfort. Notwithstanding the unpropiiious weather, however, a very fair audience mustered opposite the footlights to cheer the plucky entertainers in their ambitious essay. From the roll of the curtain to the closing scene the opera was rendered with a vivacity and spirit which ac once aroused and maintained the attention of the audience, whilst the characters -were portrayed with a faithfulness which, as the plot unfolded itself, awakened the sympathy for or aversion to the respective characters. The costumes requisite to the different roles proved quite a feature in themselves, being- a distinct advance upon anything the Club had before attained to in that direction. The renderings of the different difficult songs allotted to the loading parts were well received ; Miss E. Bhodes’, and Messrs Perkins’ and Webster’s solos being creditably negotiated. Mr E. Molloy, entrusted with the interpretation of “ Hortensin,” caused much amusement by his droll delivery, and he, with Mr J. Mcllroy as “Karl,” were chiefly responsible for the comical portion of the opera. At the conclusion of the first act Mr E. Perkins appeared before the curtain with the announcement that owing to the illness of Miss Boult, one of the chief participants in the comedy of “ That affair at Laurel Lodge,” the latter would have to be dispensed with. The second act opened with the charming quartette “ Koses White and Eoses Bed,” the effect of which was greatly enhanced by the pretty seaside scenery in the background. The song of the Pirate Chief (Mr Webster), with the chorus of his merry band, was given with great zest and was in effect very enlivening. At the close of the second act Miss E. Ehodes and Mr Perkins were the recipients of an ovation from those present, after which the Hall was clea'-ed for dancing. The jollity of this somewhat made amends for the disappointment in connection with the comedy. Mrs Wylie kindly played the pianoforte accompaniments of the opera, in the absence of Miss Boult. The “ light fantastic ” was indulged in as far as possible without encroaching upon the Sabbath morn. The Club is to repeat the entertainment at Dargavillo this evening, and at Aratapu on Tuesday next and we would bespeak for them the liberal patronage the excellence of their programme deserves. A list of the most noticeable costumes in connection with the operatic performance will appear in a future notice as they are really excellent.