WITH THE AMATEUR PLAYERS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20510, 28 May 1938, Page 19 (Supplement)

WITH THE AMATEUR PLAYERS

DRAMA AND COMEDY PRODUCTION IN HAMILTON “First Mrs Fraser" In Hamilton The Hamilton Playbox has decided on “The First Mrs Fraser” as its first public production this season. It will be staged within the next couple of months. “The First Mrs Fraser” is a very entertaining play, with delightful humour and sincere sentiment. Marie Tempest played the title role in the original production in London, while Ethel Morrison took it when the play was staged professionally in New Zealand. A Cast of 23 A cast of 23 took part in the Eltham Operatic Society’s production of “The Cingalee”—quite an achievement for a town of the size of Eltham* “ The Clngaleo " at Eltham The Eltham Operatic Society gave four performances of “ The Cingalee ” this week, under the' direction of Mrs Mcßeath. Of the opening production a Taranaki paper said: —The sparkling tunefulness, the brisk movement and the Joyfulness of “The Cingalee” make Its presentation by the Eltham Operatic Society an ambitious undertaking. When the curtain fell at the conclusion of the first performance of a four-night season the success of the production was assured. Well-cast players combined In a presentation notable for a fine rendering of Monckton's catchy melodies, a well-trained and attractive ballet, sparkling repartee without a hitch, splendid frocking and untroubled

stage-managership. A well-filled house indicated its enthusiasm for a production that more than equalled expectations. Palmerston Little Theatre Society “The Case of the Frightened Lady” will be staged for three nights ttiis month by the Palmerston North Little Theatre Society. The profits are to be banded over to tli** fund being raised to send Alan Loveday, a gifted boy violinist, abroad for further study. Repertory Society Helps Gifted Boy The Wellington Repertory Soeietv will stage “ The Marquise ” at Palmerston North in July on behalf of the fund that is being raised to send Alan l.ovedav. a Palmerston North boy violinist, abroad for further study. The fuud uu\\ atdmia at £230.

“THE VAGABOND KING” HAMILTON OPERATIC SOCIETY This week I looked in at a rehearsal of “ The Vagabond King,” by the Hamilton Operatic Society, and was pleasantly surprised at the progress made by the members, under the direction of Mr Stanley .Tames. The part-singing is difficult, but the boys and girls of the chorus have “ broken the back ” of it very successfully. Though a few may not be inclined to take things seriously enough, most of them are doing excellent work, and by the time the producer, Mr Walter George, of Sydney, arrives in Hamilton they should be in a good position to tackle the “ business ” of the spectacular musical play. The music of “The Vagabond King,” not only in its solos but in its choruses, is delightful, and I am sure audiences will enjoy hearing it just as much as the performers enjoy singing it. Advice to Chorus May I again urge the members of the chorus to always remember the words they are singing. If they do, the reaction to the words will give them the natural emphasis. For instance, there is a hunting chorus with its gay “ Tally-ho 1” A mental picture of this would immediately suggest the spirit in which it should be sung. And “ Sons of Toil and Danger,” what a thrilling combination of inspiration and defiance it is! The rabble's vision of freedom under their own leader and their throwing down of the gauntlet to Burgundy give the key lo the right way in which to sing the chorus. The same rule applies to all singers, nf course, wherever they may be appearing. Unless the. full meaning of the words is realised and sung accordingly the song is never completely satisfying. Story of “ The Vagabond King ” “The Vagabond King.” now in rehearsal by the Hamilton Operatic Society—also the Dunedin and Auckland societies—has a stronger plot, than most musical comedies, is full of hajinting melodies, sparkling comedy, interspersed with rousing choruses, and It has many dramatic moments. Francois Villon is a poet, pickpocket, vagabond and dreamer. His satires are always getting him into trouble, but his “bonne bouche” was the love sonnet he sent to Katherine, a protegee of King Louis. Touched by his emotion, she visits the tavern at which Villon is the leader, and asks him to prove his devotion by killing Thibaut, a rascally courtier. Mad. Louis and his minister, Tristan, visit the underground tavern in disguise, and witness the satire and mockery Villon pours on the king’s head, and hears what he would do “if he were king.” Superstition is paramount in Louis’ mind, and when the stars foretell how he will be saved “by one rising from the depths,” he gives Villon the powers of king for a day, after which he is to be publicly hanged. Katherine falls in love with Villon, not recognising in him her previous adorer, and Louis, in his fantastic way. agrees to save Villon’s life, providing lie wins her hand. The Burgundians, believing that Paris is en fete, attack the walls and Villon and his army of beggars and thieves drive them hack and Villon is hailed by the populace to be a belter ruler than Louis. True to his bargain. Vill.-n walks to the scaffold and

is on the point of being hanged when Katherine declares her love for him. The mad monarch, enjoying the turn of events, agrees and Villon and Katherine arc united, amidst the cheers uf tlic beggars and cuuil.