CONTINUED SUCCESS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20951, 2 November 1939, Page 9

CONTINUED SUCCESS

“A RUNAWAY GIRL” LARGE AUDIENCE DELIGHTED A big hit was scored by the Hamilton Operatic Society when the season of “A Runaway Girl” was continued in the Theatre Royal last night. The house was again well filled. From the start the show went at a merry pace, melody, romance and humour combining to produce a splendid evening’s entertainment, of which the audience was quick to show its appreciation. The costumes, with which great pains had been taken, and the well-chosen scenery made the stage always a lively picture. The cutting down of one or two numbers and a general speeding up produced an even greater improvement than that shown on Tuesday night, the second performance. The part of the runaway girl, Winifred Gray, is one on which much of the show depends. It lost none of its charm in Mrs J. Crawford’s capable hands. Her singing \yas true and pleasing. Mr J. Crawfo'rd was always confident as the musicians’ leader.

Carmenita (Miss Sandra Tassell) and Brother Tamarind (Mr Burnett Ross) also have vital parts in the play. Last night both excelled. Miss Tassell proved herself born to the stage as well as a capable singer. A great deal of hard work fell upon Miss Gwen Foster, as the maid Alice, and she did it exceptionally well. Her partner in comedy, Mr David Reid as Flipper, the jockey become courier, also scored again. Other parts in the romantic and lively story were played convincingly by Mr Brassell Harder as Guy Stanley, Miss Joy Crozier as Lady Coodle, Miss Leonie Swarbrick as Dorothy, Miss Gwen Le Grice as Mrs Creel, Mr Malcolm Burdis as Lord Coodle, Mr Ernest Chell as Mr Creel, Mr Stanley Carrol as Paloni, Mr Jock Churton as Bobby Barclay, and others. Enthusiastic Audience Song and dance numbers by principals, chorus and ballet, assisted by a full orchestra, had a great reception from the audience. Again popular was “Soldiers in the Park,” in which the players had the assistance of the Waikato * Regimental Band. Miss Leonie Swarbrick was a clever soloist in several numbers, scoring a success with Mr Jock Churton in “waltz-time.” The dance, “The Carnival,” was gracefully done by Miss Bernice Choat and Mr Kenneth Martin. Further Performances The success of “A Runaway Girl,” which will be given again tonight, is assured. The season will continue tomorrow night and on Saturday afternoon, and will conclude on Saturday night.