Little Boy Blue Operetta.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 33, 7 August 1895, Page 2

Little Boy Blue Operetta.

There was one of the largest houses yet seen in Colyton to witness Little Boy Blue performed by the school children last night. The operetta went smoothly from start to finish, and the lanje audience seemed quite satisfied with the efforts of the youngsters, who acquitted themselves well, although one or two of those taking leading parts were evidently suffering from sore throats. The curtain rose at a few minutes after eight, and showed Mistress Mary (Miss Nellie Garlick) in front of her home, being waited upon by her two maids. The peasants coining upon the scsno gave the opening chorus with good effect. After the elec tion of 80-l'eep (Miss Magsie Stewart) as May CJiieen, and of Boy Bine (Master James Lankshear) as May King, the choice of the peasants was confirmed by Gill the Milkmaid. This part was taken by Miss Violet Pleasants whose singing and acting were very pleasing. 80-Peep then sang one of the prettiest songs in the operetta "Oh ! Sweet are the Songs and the Daisies." This young lady has a remarkably sweet voice, and in the leading role showed care and ability above the average. A dnet was the next number, and was made most successful in the hands of Lady Lea (Miss Olive Pleasants) and Netticote (Miss Janet Stewart). Both these young ladies have clear voices of wide range, and their acting added to the effect of their singing. The first act concluded with Mistress Mary ordering all to be made ready for the May Day fete. In Act 11. the part of Taffy was taken by Master Thomas Laing, whose get up was immense, and who sang and acted with great spirit. In this act Boy Blue also established himself as a favorite by his singing. The May Pole Dance in the third act brought the operetta to a close. The action songs introduced were well received. The stage was prettily arranged, and the dressing of the children was remarkably good. The characters of the two maids to Mistress Mary were ably sustained by Misses Minnie Lynch and [May Mexted. Miss Mary Shortall ably wielded the baton, and Mrs Millan pla5 7 ed the sccompaniments. At the conclusion Mr Pleasants, chairman, returned thanks on behalf of the committee, and stated that Mr Friberg deserved great credit for the successful production of the operetta. In training the children Mr Friberg had been ably assisted by Miss Shortall and Mrs Millan. Mr Pleasants asked that the efforts of Mr Friberg, Misd Shortall and Mrs Millan be recognised by a hearty round of applause, which the audience readily responded to. The gross takings of the concert and dance were about £19.