Princess Chrysanthemum

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1922, Page 1

Princess Chrysanthemum

PRINCESS THEATRE—NEXT THURSDAY. Writing of the first production of the above juvenile opera at Greymouth last Monday night, the ‘Star” reports as follows: The announcement that Mrs Win. Stnveley was the guiding spirit of the opera was a guarantee of the success of Princess Chrysanthemum, and the packed house which greeted the initial performance last evening certainly had good value for its money. There are few things that appeal so well ns the acting of children, and the pains which the capable producer evidently took to get the best out of her young charges were fully recompensed. Princess Chrysanthemum is a simple opera which allows wonderful scope for juvenile talent, and the fullest advantage has been taken of it in this production. Miss Flora Mackenzie takes the name part and carries it out admirably, acting with a grace and charm that won for her many admirers. Fairy Moonbeam is the Princess’s good genius, and in this capacity' Miss Joan Passau is very successful. She sings with a sweetlv trained voice. The bombastic and quasi-humorous Emperor What-for-Whi, is impersonated by Mr G. Rarltrop, who carries out the part eonfi-

dently and well. It is his duty to sing many of the melodies, and these he interprets with much ability. The part of Prince So-Tru, who is perhaps the “principal boy” of the piece, is intelligently filled by Miss Clare Dobson, whose voice is excellent in part singing, while Miss Dot Brebner, a come- j ly figure, and no mean player, acts as the Prince So-Sli, the villainous rival, j Master R. Nash, as Saucer Eyes, the wizard cat, is an entertainment in him- , self. He executes some very creditable I work with both his voice and his muscles. The parts of attendants on the Princess are entrusted to Miss Maida Topliss, Miss Ruth Mubin, Miss Jessie CunlifFe, and Miss Dot Nash, and Master M. Barltrop is an admirable court chamberlain. Miss Dot Nash sings very sweetly in the solo part of Slumber Land. There are three scenes,each introducing novel items. In the first is the butterfly ballet, a very pretty little fantasy, which features Miss Sheila Bush, Miss Jean Barker, Miss Beth Mabin, and Miss Rimn Ball. During act two is the weird dance of the sprites headed by Saucer Eyes. Another dance is given bv Miss Mackenzie who interprets it well. The butterfly dance of Miss Helen fttaveloy is wonderful and the little girl’s clever feats of contortion merited the loud applause which greeted her There were also the dance of the fireflies, the dance of the gnomes and eccentric dance—true to its title—by Masters Victor and Jack Mabin, Ben Sword, Colin Restieaux and Maurice Smith. Credit is also due to Mr Mabin for the work ho undertook in promoting the success of the show. The scenery effects wore delightful and enhanced greatly by the nicelyadjusted coloured lighting elici ts. I'or this very important part of the evening’s entertainment, Messrs Caigou. and J. Kent wore responsible.. The musical director was Mr F. Restieaux, who was well supported by Pollard’s full orchestra. The full orchestra and stage effects will he. brought to Hokitika for next Thursday night, and patrons will feast on a first class juvenile production. The hooking of reserved seat s opened ,

well to-day, promising a bumper house and a splendid reception to the company of 75 which arrives by special train on Thursday afternoon.