Princess Chrysanthemum

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1922, Page 1

Princess Chrysanthemum

A PLEASING SUCCESS

There was an excellent attendance at Princess Theatre last night for the pleasing production of “Princess Chrysanthemum” by the Greymouth juvenile opera troupe. The friendly invasion of the juvenile visitors wa R much appreciated, anj it was a very pleased audience which watched the unfolding of the pretty little plot which reveals the life story of the charming Princess. Too much prai.se cannot he given to Mrs Staveley for her part in producing so happy an entertainment. It was all to her credit that the performance was so good, hut of course all praise must he given to the native talent of the apt pupils who bore them, selves so well, and made the whole evening such a distinctive success. Tho east of characters was as follows:—Princess Chrysanthemum (tiro Emperor’s Daughter)’, Miss Flora McKenzie; Maidens attendant on Princess—To To, Miss Mai,la Topliss; Yum Yum, Miss’ Ruth Mnhin; Du Du, Miss Jessie Cunliffo; Tulip, Miss Dot Nash. Fairy Moonbeam (tlie - rineess’s Good Genius). Miss .Tuan Pnssau; The Emperor Whnt-for-Whi (•* merciful (?) Monarch). Air (~ Bailtiop Prince So-Tru Miss Clare Dodson: prince So-Sli. Miss Dot Biobner; TopNot. Master F. Baritrop; Saucer Eyes Master R. Nash.

Tn each act various pretty dances u nd effective marching were introduced the performers being Shi el a Bnsb, Jean Marker, Beth Mnbin, Rima Bell. Helen Staveley, Victor and Jack Muhin, Ben Sword, Colin Restioanx, Maurice Smith and Melba Gibbons, as well as special dances by the sprites, fairies, butterflies eupids. and Princess Chrysanthemum her very self. The whole was enhanced by the special scenery prepared for the purpose by Messrs Caigou and Kent of Greymouth, while Pollard’s full orchestra lent more than friendly aid to tho marked success of tho evening.

Tlie whole action or tho performance was well maintained in that capable and thorough manner with which Mrs Staveley as producer attends to detail. The chorus was very good, the volume being excellent. The soloists all did wellT and there wore many recalls. Tn the several pleasing dances the outstanding success was Miss Gibbons who gave a very finished performance in terpsichuronn revels. There was never a dull moment. The humorous items were well brought out. and the topical allusions called forth many a- laugh. It was altogether a very pleased audience. which applauded very heartily all through the entertainment. At "the close of the entertainment before the singing of the National Anthem Canon Carr of Greymouth, returned thanks to the audience for the lilior;i] patronage, and support, and eulogised the work of Alls Staveley whose training of-the young people had made the evening the success it was. Mr Alabin spoke also in eulogy of the directress- to whom he handed a. tangible present in appreciation of her good work. Mrs Staveley briefly but happily replied. The large company returned to Greymouth by special train after the performance well pleased with its success.