MASTERTON AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5193, 28 November 1895, Page 3

MASTERTON AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY.

" LBS CLOCHES DE COME.

VILLE."

For somo time past we havo been looking forward to tho production of Planquetto's charming opera " Les Cloches de Cornevillo," by the Masferton Amateur Operatic Society, and after the highly creditable display of nmateur talent, made by the same Company somo timo ago in the production of "Tho Sorcerer," something worth going to see and hear was anticipated. That the audience was not in the least disappointed was amply demonstrated by the hearty reception given to the performers last night, and it is safe to say that nothing has ever been more perfectly staged or ably sustained by amateurs in this district. Each part seemed to have been most happily, cast, and tlio principals \ were individually and collectively! without fault, while the meinhors of the chorus gav9 undoubted proof of their excellent training and interest in tho business. Tho scenery was a triumph and reflects much credit on Mr T. Donnelly, tho Society's scenic artist, wbilo the dresses and stage appointments were a clear evidence of the taste displayed by the management. Ono of the strongest orchestras over brought together in Masterton, was a feature of the opera, and under the excellent conductorship of Mr A. von Keisonberg, ovorytliing ran smoothly and well. Encores were frequent, but owing to ihe length of the piece could only be responded to in one or two special instances, while the leading ladies | were simply deluged with floral! tributes. Miss Sheen, the sparkling "Serpolette," acted her part as to! tho manner born, and camo in for' most enthusiastic treatment at the hands of the largo audience. Her ability is of a much highor order than one generally meots on the amateur stage, and her grace and freedom showed her exceedingly lino conception of the part. As a singer Miss Sheen holds a very forward place, and no concert in the Waimrapa is considered complete without her. Last night she surpassed herself and gained fresh laurels for her fine performance. Another lady who cannot be considered quito a stranger to a Masterton audieuce (although not permanently residing amongst us) is Miss Frankel who last night appeared as" Gerin&ine." The wisdom of the | management in securing tho services I of this accomplished young lady,' was plainly evident, and her every j appearance was the signal for fresh | applause, while her sweet singing i was breathlessly listened to until the very last note died away. Miss Frankel must be heartily congratulated and may be sure of a hearty ; welcome at any future time she may choose to appear beforo a Masterton audience. Soldom if evor before has a finer delinoation of any part, and in particular an operatic cast, been presented to a Wairarapa audience than that of " Henri de Corneville" as given last night by Mr M. Meadows, a talented young vocalist and musician who has lately taken up his residence in Masterton. Mr Meadows' performance of last evening would put to shame the efforts of many professionals seen on the stage of the Theatre Royal, and was indeod faultloss. Possessed of a really fine and cultured voice,Mr Meadows also understands how to use it, whilo his acting was natural and unaffectod to a degree. How tho audionco received Mr Meadows may bo gathered from the fact that somo very handsome bouquets were thrown to him personally, a mark of appreciation usually reserved for lady principals. Porhaps in the whole opera, no more difficult part occurs, than that of "Father Gaspard." Mr B P. Ginders, whose ability as an actor, Masterton peoplo have often before been delighted with, wero last night simply astonished at his powerful acting and perfect delineation' of the part, Everyone knew Mr Ginders to be clever, but they did not think he could so absolutely sink his identity, that even " his own mother did not know him!" Most gruesomely realistic was his make-up, and the scene whero the wretched old miser is frightened out of his mind while gloating over tho treasure that does not belong to him, was a powerful effort on tho part of Mr Ginders, and gained him tho hoarty plaudits of his audience. " Tho Baillio of Cornevillo" (Mr D. R. Robinson) and" Gobo" (Mr C. A. Pownall), are two characters which go together, because it is evident that the shadow cannot get very far away from tho substanco. A most substantial Baillie oui old friend Mr D, R, Robinson made, and with his shadowy clerk and saucy Serpolette mado lots of fun, several local hits,being introduced to the intense amusoment of the audionco. Mr Robinson scored a big success last year as "John Wellington Wells" in the" The Sorcorer," and his performance on this occasion was in every rcspectequal to it. Mr Robinson is certainly a tower of strength to the Masterton Society, and would bo difficult to replace. He is also tho fortunate possessor of a fine voice, and sang last night with marked success. His shadowy clerk "Gobo" was pourtrayed by Mr Pownall, who proved his versatility and humour by hi*B performance of laßt night, His make up and general appearance was certainly as good as anything on the stage, and with " Mr Baillie" kept the lighter element of tho piece woll to the front. Mr Pownall was well received all through, some jocular roforenceß to the Mayoral election quite bringing tho faoueo down, Tho difficult part of" Grenicheui" was taken by Mr W. Simms, and, it is needless to add, taken right well. Mr Simms was the promoter of the present Society; he has always been one of its most indefatigablo workers, and this year did above a fair share as stage-manager, In , addition to this Mr Simms, at the last moment, stepped in to fill a gap, and on the retirement of ono of the principals, owing to indisposition, allowed himself to be saddled with a rather heavy part, Last night he acquitted himself splendidly, sing-

inland acting with power and spirit. Tlio minor parts wo allotted as under—"Christopher,' 1 Master W, Mason;" Suzanno," Miss Casolborg; "Nanette," Miss L. Williams; "Jeanette," Miss C. Corbott; and " Gertrude," Mrs M. Willor. Eaeli did really well, and no hitch or mistake was made by either. A special word of praise is duo to Mr James Smith, mechanist, who rondored very important assistance to the management. {

| The Secretary, Mr R. Darroch, did ; his boat to make tho affair a success, and Mr W. Sellar, tho Hon. Treasurer, as usual was to tho front with much valuable assistance. Tho names of tho chorus mombors : areLadies—Mrs Edwards, Misses Bunting, Boddington, Bornr, Casclberg, Chamberlain, Gallagher, Hoar, Johnston (2), Munro, Rockcll ; Gentlemen - Messrs Ankotell, Broad, Bunny, D. and J. Caselberg, Dougall, Jack, W. H. Jackson, Nops, Lilly, Pearson, Sellar, and Whitt.