Alfred Kidney

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

Although 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
  1. "Yeomen at St. Albans", Toronto Daily Star, 16 February 1929
  2. "Clef Choral Society Presents Pirates", Toronto Daily Star, 17 February 1938
  3. "Gondoliers Excellent", Toronto Daily Star, 14 April 1934
  4. McCarthy, Pearl,"Operatic Society Staging of Ida Best Effort Yet", The Globe and Mail, Toronto, 8 February, 1956
  5. "Love to Sing, Eaton Ready for Gondoliers", Toronto Daily Star, 13 January 1954
  6. Smith, Leo, "Simpson Avenue United Church Gives Patience", The Globe and Mail, Toronto, 23 April 1951
  7. "Cast Excels in Presenting The Mikado", The Evening Telegram,Toronto, 5 December 1947
  8. Patience Program, Toronto Light Opera Association, 12 and 13 May 1949
  9. "Iolanthe Returns", The Globe and Mail, Toronto, 26 October 1957
  10. "Dramatizing Dickens in Aid of Children", Toronto Daily Star, 25 November 1940
  11. "Choir in Pirates", Toronto Daily Star, 17 April 1937
  12. "Give Opera in School", Toronto Daily Star, 16 December 1935
  13. "Pirates O Penzance Staged by Men's Club", Toronto Daily Star, 23 April 1941
  14. McCarthy, Pearl, "Churches Found Place to Enjoy G. & S. Culture", The Globe and Mail, Toronto, 2 Nov 1955
  15. "Amateurs Give Polished Work in Light Opera", Toronto Daily Star, 27 Mar 1947
  16. "Erskine Operetta Launches Pirates", Hugh Thomson, Toronto Daily Star, 11 March 1959
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