“THE CINGALEE”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 August 1938, Page 4

“THE CINGALEE”

FINE END OF SEASON PERFORMANCE COMEDY TO BE REPEATED ON WEDNESDAY IN AID OF OPERA HOUSE FURNISHING. Concluding their seven-night season at the Opera House on Saturday evening, the Masterton Amateur Theatrical Society gave a sparkling performance of “The Cingalee” and one that was applauded most heartily by a large audience. Following upon an enthusiastic demonstration by the audience at the final curtain fall, the president of the society, Mr H. P. Hugo, introduced the producer, Mrs Edna Paterson, and thanked her for the splendid manner in which she had carried out a very 'S difficult task. Mr Hugo also announced that a repeat performance of “The Cingalee” was to be given on Wednesday evening next, in aid of the Opera House furnishing fund. Mr Hugo observed that the season’s bookings unfortunately had been impaired to some extent on account of the prevalence of measles, which had occasioned a number of cancellations. Acknowledging Mr Hugo’s 'tribute and that of the audieiice, Mrs Paterson . thanked her hearers for the way in which they had received the comedy. It had been in some respects a diffi-. cult play to present, she said, particularly with a very junior cast: A time came in the history of every theatrical society when it had to introduce fresh blood,' and in “Cingalee” their soubrette was only 16 years of age, their principal comedian 21 and their leading man about the same. Before the National Anthem was sung, there was a busy distribution of bouquets and other gifts which had been heaped before the footlights. Later in the evening the committee and the company made presentations to the musical director, k(r R. J. Young and to the pianist, Mrs W. G. Perry. During supper, general thanks were extended to all who had helped in any way towards the success of the production. The audience included a large party of Wellington Amateurs who were well pleased with the production and the high standard set by the players.