Alfred Kidney was an actor, singer, director, producer and dramatic coach who settled in Canada and was involved in a number of light opera and other theatre companies in Toronto, Ontario between 1929 and 1956.
Career
editAlthough an experienced actor,[1] his most common role was as stage director. Groups in which his influence was felt included the Clef Choral Society,[2] the Toronto Operatic Society,[3] the Eaton Operatic Society,[4][5] the Simpson Avenue United Church players,[6] the St. Clair Opera Company, the Toronto Light Opera Association,[7][8] the Lyric Operatic Society,[9] and the Erskine Operatic Society.
Kidney also was involved in promoting light opera in the community, directing and coaching small amateur groups.[10][11][12][13]
Kidney was best known for his productions of the works of Gilbert & Sullivan. He was praised by reviewers for his performances' authenticity.[14] By 1947, the Toronto Star declared, "There is nobody more experienced hereabouts in Gilbert and Sullivan business."[15]
Before settling in Toronto, Kidney had also performed in productions in Scotland and Ireland, beginning in about 1919.[16]
References
edit- ^ "Yeomen at St. Albans", Toronto Daily Star, 16 February 1929
- ^ "Clef Choral Society Presents Pirates", Toronto Daily Star, 17 February 1938
- ^ "Gondoliers Excellent", Toronto Daily Star, 14 April 1934
- ^ McCarthy, Pearl,"Operatic Society Staging of Ida Best Effort Yet", The Globe and Mail, Toronto, 8 February 1956
- ^ "Love to Sing, Eaton Ready for Gondoliers", Toronto Daily Star, 13 January 1954
- ^ Smith, Leo, "Simpson Avenue United Church Gives Patience", The Globe and Mail, Toronto, 23 April 1951
- ^ "Cast Excels in Presenting The Mikado", The Evening Telegram, Toronto, 5 December 1947
- ^ Patience Program, Toronto Light Opera Association, 12 and 13 May 1949
- ^ "Iolanthe Returns", The Globe and Mail, Toronto, 26 October 1957
- ^ "Dramatizing Dickens in Aid of Children", Toronto Daily Star, 25 November 1940
- ^ "Choir in Pirates", Toronto Daily Star, 17 April 1937
- ^ "Give Opera in School", Toronto Daily Star, 16 December 1935
- ^ "Pirates O Penzance Staged by Men's Club", Toronto Daily Star, 23 April 1941
- ^ McCarthy, Pearl, "Churches Found Place to Enjoy G. & S. Culture", The Globe and Mail, Toronto, 2 Nov 1955
- ^ "Amateurs Give Polished Work in Light Opera", Toronto Daily Star, 27 Mar 1947
- ^ "Erskine Operetta Launches Pirates", Hugh Thomson, Toronto Daily Star, 11 March 1959
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