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.
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]
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.
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]