“DEBUTANTES’ REYUE”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 March 1939, Page 7

“DEBUTANTES’ REYUE”

FINAL PERFORMANCE LAST NIGHT. ENTHUSIASTIC CLOSING SCENE. With stage and auditorium linked with gaily coloured streamers, the final curtain was rung down last night on the bright and breezy “Debutantes’ Revue” which was presented four times in the Opera House in aid of the Masterton Beautifying Society and Y.M.C.A. Carnival funds. The talented company was in capital form and the whole performance was put through with smoothness and precision. It was splendid entertainment and the packed house gave the performers a great reception. At the conclusion of the final number and before a mass of bouquets and other favours were distributed, Mr E. M. Hodder, chairman of the Carnival Committee, expressed keen appreciation of the splendid effort made by the organisers and performers of the revue. The show, he said, could be classed as one of the most satisfactory amateur productions ever staged in the Opera House. At the outset Mr John Lawson had undertaken full responsibility for the production of the revue. They all realised that it was a big task, especially for a man without previous experience. Mr Lawson later enlisted the support of Mr F. MacCallum and then Mr T. J. Kirk-Burnnand, of Wellington, lent his assistance and support. Mr Kirk-Burnanrd had probably been the life and inspiration of the show. (Applause). He had put in an enormous amount of time and at no expense whatsoever to the organisers. Mr Lawson had also received good support from Mrs Lawson and they were an excellent team. Miss Dorothy Tate, of Greytown, was also deserving of thanks for her great work with the ballets. She had spared neither nor energy in training the girls. Mr Hodder introduced Messrs Lawson, Kirk-Burnnand and Miss Tate to the audience, who accorded them musical honours.

Mr Lawson said he would like to thank half of Masterton for assisting in the revue and the other half for coming along and seeing it. The company really did not need any thanks. They had all worked hard, but they had also greatly enjoyed themselves. He paid a tribute to the stage managership of Mr T. Wynne, who had greatly facilitated the smooth running of the production; Messrs H. M. A. Major and C. Kyngdon. for looking after the business side and Mrs E. K. Eastwood, the pianiste, who had probably worked harder than anyone else in the show. (Applause). Thanks were also due to the members of the company themselves and the ladies who had made the costumes. It was not gener'ally known, observed Mr Lawson,'that the wardrobe only arrived four days before the first performance, although it should have been there three weeks before. On arrival it was found that the costumes were entirely unsuited and willing ladies had to turn round and make the whole of the wardrobe in those four days. (Applause.)