"Princess of Poppyland"

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 September 1913, Page 2

"Princess of Poppyland"

The presentation of C. King Proctor's operetta "Princess of Poppyland," by the HelensvillG Musical Society on Tuesday evening in the Foresters' Hall, was a tremendous success. There was a record audience, the building being packed m every part, and the many demonstrations of approval were an ample tribute as to the merit of the production. The chords items were given in a manner that reflected long and careful train-, ing, in several instances the principals gave a delightful interpretation of thsir allotted parts, whilst their diamatic work also showed marked ability. The staging and effects were decidedly good, whilst the dresses were sweetly pretty and combined to produce a bright and harmonious setting. The various daucee and the stage grouping, which were cleverly done, also contributed greatly to the general spectacular and enjoyable presentation.

The subject of the production " The Magic Casket, which belongs to the Kingdom of Poppyland, has the magic power of producing a condition of sleep and peacefulnees throughout the realm. The villain of the play, Baton Insomnia, aided by his assistants PipPip and Honk-Honk, determines to steal the casket so that he can get the Princess in his power, marry her, and become the ruler of Poppyland. He gets possession of the casket, the loss of which causes much alarm among the King's subject?, but is detected b\ Prince Wideawake, a travelling student, who restores it to the Princess.

As the King of Poppvland Mr J. Lambert Jnr. gave a Bright acd convincing interpretation of the pan ; Miss Donovan, the Pnnoess, had carefully studied the requirements of (lie role she iilled, her dialogue and singing being very effective ; the Prince, Mr Claude White, had a good conception of the part allotted to him and in song also came through with great credit; as Court Chamberlain much vigorous work fell to the lot of Mi J. H. Harvey, but he cleverly intorpre ted the part and kopt things moving merrily ; Mr 11. \V\ Atilner, who had the part of the Honorable Dozey, a sloopy secretary, acted the character in ideal manner ; the Princess' favorite attendants, Misses (xanley aivd Wilson were very successful, particularly with their duot uud ensuing danco"; the Baron Insomnia, Mr R. Screaton. together with his attendants, Messrs Chandler and Bailey, had rousing and amusing comedy parts in addition to providing the villainous element of the pla}, nud got through their tasks fairly well. The final scene in which Misses H. Chaimon, O. Donovan, J. Caundle, H. Donovan am) N. Caundle represented British nationalities, with Miss Channon as Britannia, was delightful. Then the danciug of fcleryyn Eawson and Val White iv sailor costume, the Spanish gipsy dances by May Kuox, Edna Donovan, Phylln Becroft, Elfie Eames, Lucy Oarletoa and Jenuie Sellars, and the flower dance by Gladys Osmun, li-a Hawson, Eva Eliett and Madge SimcociCj ail sweetly costumed, made up a brilliant and enjoyable display. The dancing was very neatly and mertoriously performed, and together with the beautiful combined choruses, made this iinal scene of outstanding quality, ana od6 which would he difficult to surpass in any country district.

Prior to the close of the peiTorajmice Mr (. arter announced thut owing to a number of people having beeu turned away and to comply with many requests made, tlie operetta would he repeated cm .Friday evening. At the low charge of Is to all parts; the hall should again be crowded.

The Society are much indebted to Miss iSiincock (as head of the committee that prepared the dresses) ; Miss Gun ley, who was responsible for the dancing and guouping- arrange ments ; Mr J. Limibert, who with a committee arranged the sc^uwy ; Mr J. Uarter, couductor, Mr H. W. Striugnr, stage manager and Secreiary, and Miss Rinuner, pianist.

Warner's-Rust proof Oui\sets. Every pair guaranteed not to L'iist, Break ni Tear Your Draper stocks Wahner's.