OPERA HOUSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 December 1940, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE

‘■HAWAII SINGS.” Writing of the visiting Hawaiian Company who will appear at the Opera House tomorrow and Satui<day evenings, the Gisborne •'Herald” says: "Gisborne theatre audiences seldom have the opportunity to see and hear a company of the type of Aliiloa Lincoln’s Hawaiians, who opened a short season at the Opera House before an audience that was full of inspiration for the artists. The success of the performance was beyond question, so pronounced was the appeal of the melodies and the graceful dancing. The star of the production is Momi Kaaimoku, who in person typifies all the grace and witchery of the romantic island people. Nothing in the programme exemplified her qualities more than the song and hula, ‘Lovely Hula Hands,’ in which, to the accompaniment of a male chorus and the Alohalani Hawaiian Orchestra, Momi Kaaimoku danced a descriptive passage, every motion of which conveyed its unmistakable meaning. While attention was focussed mainly upon the graceful dancing of Momi Kaaimoku, her artistry did not overshadow ttiat of the musicians, and there were moments of extraordinary beauty in the orchestral section of the programme. Each of the players was the master of several instruments, and their interchanges were noted with appreciation by the audience. Versatility was demonstrated also by their participation in the dance numbers in which their efforts were characterised by a degree of humour that made a special appeal. Presented with a wealth of stage effects, the production was one that must have left a deep impression.” The same programme as that which has fascinated northern audiences will be given in Masterton. Seats may be reserved at the shop of Messrs Steele and Bull.