Princess Chrysanthemum

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 11 September 1912, Page 3

Princess Chrysanthemum

. The operetta of the above name ■will be staged by the Helensville Musical Society on 27th inst. The play, written and composed by Mr C King Proctor, has been performed ■with much success in almost every part of the English speaking world. As indicated in the name, Mr Proctor has sought inspiration in a Japanese theme, and the story of the wooing of a fair Princess, of the spell under wdvch she is cast, and of her happy deliverance at the hands of her lover, lightened as it is by the humouis of the Emperor and his Court, form a charming subject. The music is simple, but of exceptional melodiousness, and the work is well adapted for spectacular display. The scenery which the Society is obtaining is strikingly realistic ; and the elaborately ornate dresses of the principals will be quite a feature of the play, conveying the idea of truly oriental splendour. Charming dances by the Princess and by her four attendants are introduced; also strangely grotesque dances are performed by spirits and fairies who appear m the cast. The principal parts are in good hands, and the Chorus is of unusual excellence. The Society is sparing no pains to make the performance a success, and mounting of the whole piece promises to be really superb. Full east of the characters will be published in next week's issue.