Sally

A bright ballet, a tuneful chorus, colourful frocking, and some fine performances by the principals of the cast combined to make the Gisborne Operatic Society's presentation of the musical comedy, "Sally", in the Opera House last week, a memorable one in the annals of the Gisborne stage.

The reaction of audiences throughout the five-night presentation was such as to leave no doubt that all those associated with the production could well feel pride in the result of their efforts. Mrs J. B. Hamilton (Hastings) was in charge of production, and others who played prominent parts were Mr J. S. Rutherford(musical director), Mr D. G. Dyer (chorus master), and Mrs M. Harper(ballet mistress). In lesser degree the production owed much to the splendid work of a host of other members of the society, whose president this year is Mr E. E. Caughey, with Mr Dyer as secretary.

The ability of local talent to stage a show of this quality does much to make up for the failure of overseas touring companies to include the provincial centres in their itineraries. With this in mind, it is indeed welcome to find that Gisborne can muster some performers whose work compares favourably with that seen in shows like "Oklahoma" and those of city operatic societies.

Muriel Croskery, who took the name part in Jerome Kern's tuneful musical and won high praise for her versatility and pleasing stage personality.

The finale scene as seen from the circle.

High-stepping ballet contributed to gaiety of the show.

Toby White, seen here with Sally, gave a polished performance as Blair Farquhar.

The three-some whose comedy work would grace the professional stage: Howard Cairns, Paul Pollard, and Lois Tonks.

Entirely adequate in supporting roles were Ruth White, George Rawlings and Bernard Barradell.

The chorus. *Back row; from lefts Des Johns, Hans Kwak, John Alderlieste, Allan Woodward, Bruce Stichbury, Doug Upton, Terry Patterson, Malcolm Cameron, Keith Stichbury. *Front row: Joe Hills, Oonagh Rawcliffe, Norma Wood, Elaine Murray, Rosalind Pollard, Jan Halstead, Richard Ellmers, Diane D'Arcy, Eve McDonald, Merle Gardiner, Pat Upton, Flo Fahey, Trevor McCreedy.

A scene from the second act, with Mrs Ten Brock, Otis, Sally, and the Admiral on stage.

A scene snapped from the circle.

Doug Dyer, whose performance as the inn proprietor was most convincing, seen with Ruth White.

The ballet. *Back row: Naida Stupples, Valerie Illingworth, Ann Barrett, Helen Goodwin. *Centre row: Carol and Gillian Nolan. *In front: Christine Wilcox and Nola Illingworth.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 6 : November 25, 1954

Sally