"Teahouse of the August Moon"

The Nelson Repertory Society's third production of the year, "Teahouse of the August moon" drew full houses on each of the seven nights it played, and little wonder. This quaint comedy with an eastern flavour was well presented by a cast which had its heart in its work. The sets were very well designed and executed; the teahouse itself, designed by Ted Hockey and Heather Larson, was a magnificent piece of work.

In short, the play told of the trials and tribulations of Captain Fisby who was detailed by his commanding officer on Okinawa after the American occupation, to put democracy to 1 work in the small village of Tobiki. Here He had the help (unofficial) a geisha girl and the Colonel's own interpreter, a man of many parts, who also acted as a sort of commentator on events.

Captain Fisby (David Myles) and his geisha girl, Lotus Blossom (Hylda Bamber)

Sakini the interpreter (Dick Rawson)

The cast on stage in front of the teahouse

Sergt.Gregovich (Howard Mathison) and his commanding officer, Col. W. Purdy III (Reg Tapley).

Worried at seemingly senseless report from Toblki, Col. Purdy sends psychologist, Capt. McLean (Dennis Richards), who is himself converted.

The expedition to Tobiki gets under way, complete with hitch hikers and goat.

While Miss Higa Jiga (Joanna Ladds) stands by, Sakini tells Capt. Fisby of the trouble Lotus Blossom was causing

And here Captain Fisby learns about the ways of geisha girls

The unwilling Fisby submits to the attentions of Lotus Blossom.

Before manufacturing Tobiki's primary export, jungle juice, a sample is tried out on the goat.

With the teahouse built with the school lumber and money in their pockets from the sale of liquor, the villagers relax at sports.

And Lotus Blossom dances.

Mrs Mieko Lane, whose technical advice lent an air of reality to the eastern scenes and dances.

Mrs Rene Cotton who made all the costumes for the play.

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The Nelson Photo News

No 14 : December 9, 1961

"Teahouse of the August Moon"