“ THE GEISHA.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3659, 22 October 1912, Page 6

“ THE GEISHA.”

BRILLIANT first night

ENTHUSIASM AT HIS MAJESTY’S

The liveliest satisfaction was expressed throughout the Poverty Baj list’-ict some months back when it became known that it had been decided -oo revive the Gisborne Amateur Operatic Society, and public interest was further increased when it w-nt foit that that popular opera, u Geisha,” was the work to be P u t ” hand. The new Society got to won in business-like fashion .and, uit energetic and capable officials, took uf rehearsals with whole-souled enthu lasm. Public interest in the Pjodw thm has been gradually mcieased through the favorable progress reported. until it culminated last night in a crowded audience at His Majesty’Theatre to witness the opening pel formance of the four-night season Opera was revived under the happiest auspices. Tim extensive alterations which have been going on at H Majesty’s Theatre were competed on time for the performance, and these added greatly to the comfort and pleasure of the audience. ‘ The finished manner m which the overture was played by a s^V r Chestra under the baton of M Main land Foster, the musical directoi, gave promise that a rare tiea m store. A perfect .storm of ap-->Fuse erected the rising of the cmtain, disclosing the principal geishas and mousmes in the garden of the Tea House. -The scenery was as finas anvthing ever put on heie tin mounting being done with a ness to detail that bespoke Mieful study. The open m g chorus 11 <TP> To nan ’’ dra e-god slightly, but t-m& was doubtless duo to. nervousness on the part of tlio untried perfoi mers. 'Hie bright “Here They Come . which followed saw the chorus at their bestand thereafter their work was of a distinctly high order, a pleasing feature being the distinctness of the enunciation. „ , • i .... The Sociotv was fortunate in having such a talented young artiste as Miss F.isie Nicolas to hll the ant role of “0 Mimosa San. It is not too much to say that this young ladv scored a brilliant tniimph . her verv first appearance last nightPossessing a full mb voice of wide ramm, Miss Nicolas was more than equal to all the vocal demands made bv the part, while her stage presence, capable ■ acting, and pleasing speaking voice combined to make her performance a “istaic J meritorious one. Her numbers . Amorous Goldfinch, 'A Geisli. ' Life,” and “Jewel of Asia, veie sung with rare charm and grace and so delighted the audience that encores w ere insistently demanded on each occasion. Mr Max Jackson made "Ink Lieut. Fairfax. While vocalisation‘is not this actor’s strong point, his finished acting more than made up for any shortcomings on this score. Mr Jackson’s best vocal effort w as un dcubtedly “Star of My Soul, tin tuneful number being rendeied with convincing expression. Mrs Hamilton Irvine made a first appearance betel e a. Gisborne audience last evemn , and created a most favorable impiession bv the sprightly vivacity she impai tto the character of Mol he Sea more Possessing a soprano voice of smguhu sweetness, Mrs Irvine is also an accomplished actress while her ability as a danseuse also helped to make he interpretation of the self-willed E lish crirl a. most pleasing one. Hti Chon Kina,” “A Monkey on a Stick,” and “The Interfering Parrott,” were all very capably taken, much amusement being caused bv tli topical allusions- introduced into tn« encore to the last-named number Jhe pompous Marquis Imari was portrayed to the life by Mr Hamilton Irvine. whose performance throughout stood-out prominently. As the vivacious French girl, Juliette Miss Ina Sweet made a distinct hit, her acting and clever dancing being greatly admired. In the character of Wun Hi, the Chinese tea-house proprietor Mi C G Bavliss proved himself, a- hgnt comedian of no mean attainments. He was responsible for >a lot of el eve 1 fooling that helped the piece along pleasantly. His song and dance. “Chin Chin Chinaman,” brought down the house, and had to be repeated. bliss Mc-Credie made a .stylish Ladv Constance Wynne, and with the other English ladies Mrs Clias. Busefco, Miss O’Rourke Miss .K. Penney, and Miss A. Bull, was nicely frocked throughout the performance. Messrs Frank Teat, J. Hods, and Langridge appeared to advantage as naval officers, while Mi L. did excellently as the middy.. .MiTeat was encored for his spirited singing of “Jack’s the Lad,” while Mr Hods made a hit with his number “Jappv, Jan Jappy.”. Mr G. 1. Wilson did well as Captain Ivatana, while Mr W r . Turner made the most of the part of Take mine. The work of the chorus was exce.bnt, the “Chorus of Lamentation, “Day Born of Love,” and the “Enisle” being as good as could be expeet./'d from a professional combination. The orchestra, too, rendered signal service, and to their splendid work must be ascribed a great deal of the undoubted success achieved. The scenery, mounting, and costumin <>• were on a most lavish scale, and the audience were not slow to recognise the conscientious way in which these important factors had been attended to. In every way, the performance was q thorough success, and the Gisborne Operatic Society are to he highly conn plimooted o" a “sterling performance. Chief credit for the success achieved must he given to Messrs Mainland Foster (musical director), P. G- Andrew (stage manager) > and T. G. Johns (s?enic artist). The Japanese costumes, flowers, fans, and decorations: used in the production were specially provided by Messrs Common, ("Shelton and Co., Ltd. The opera will he repeated to-night and on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. .