St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage, South Dunedin

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 49, 5 December 1907, Page 19

St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage, South Dunedin

maniS the Boatman., ' which is described as ai romantic musical drama, , was the play selected this year to be given in aid of the funds of the St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage, Smith Dunedin. The drama had been lnnwn 7 -h-ifH hear^' ai ? d - this ' together with the well Known ability of the principal performers, led to the expectation- of .a, production superior <to that eromerally reSSed^f'&t^^i* 1118 " «P??tation was fully., lealised was admitted by all who witnessed the first performance in His Majesty's Theatre on Monday evw& ? £ aS an amMtious undertaking, considering the length of the play a n,d the dramatic talent necessary to" ?nr it? 5S2 a Jr" partß ' **** therefore lh °se responsible \ for its production are to be warmly congratulated on - h«- e S nnd eS rt.rf leV iT There were points'heie and there, as there are shortcomings in nearly all first-performances- evenly professionals But on the

following evenings these defects had almost , wholly., dia- » appeared. Tihe performers were letter perfect in their parts. The title-role was -admirably -filled, by "Mr. Percy James, who ■. made an ideal "" Hans, the . simple-mina'eu, light-liearted, child-loving boatsman. Mr> James's -.'humor and his' singing of several introduced-. sdngs were highly appreciated by the large audience. The rough but warm-hearted YanJc Thursßy was ' .im)p~«rsQma-ted''-to life - by Mi. S. H. Osborne, whose 'acting "throughout" was extremely natural, Miss Tot B-rennan., acted, with- much vivacity 'and.- a keen appreciation of the requirements -.ol^ the character, the part of Thomas Jefferson Thiirsby", % •'• gul withi a heart of gold. Miss Jean Fraer displayed - a practical conception of the character of Gladys Farwell, and sustained the, part with a considerable measure of success. Mr. J. Brennan filled in" a conscientious manner the part of Mr. Farwell, a visitor from - New- -l l^ork. The thankless role of villain fell to' Mr. P. ,R. I<ordhaim, who displayed the usual lack -of honor, and the cynicism peculiar to such individuals, whilst Mr. J Dee gave a faithful presentation of the character -of" Lieutenant Finch. Master Fritz Valentine did admirably, as little 'Hans, and secured a round of applause " forhis -song. Minor characters^were filled by Miss Nellie Finnegan as Baby Coquette^ and Miss Molly Brennan- as Little Fritz. A number of children, who had ' .-been trained by Miss Major, gave some choruses, and other-" wise .contributed to the evening's amusement.- The' piece was well staged, and the scenery Avas very- appropriate and .effective. The drama was produced under the direction, of Mr. Percy James, who. deserves every • creditfor its success, whilst- Mr. George King .was itage'irianagcr, the- business part being in the capable Hands of- - Mr. J. J. Marlow, as honorary secretary, who is noted" ■ tor the financial' success which results from all such undertakings with which he is connected-! The drama was also, produced on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings', — when the attendance was again very good