THE FLOWER QUEEN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3776, 31 October 1907, Page 2

THE FLOWER QUEEN.

The above charming operetta took place in the Public Hall last night and was thoroughly enjoyed by a large audience. Taking into consideration the short time Mrs Young has had to work up the affair, last night’s production reflects the highest credit upon her organising ability. The dresses of the various characters looked pretty and the grouping, with lime-light effect, was most charming. One of the prettiest scenes was the chosen and crowned queen enthroned in the midst of animated beauty and wealth of colour. There is really no plot in the production, which lends itself chiefly to spectacular effect. The . flowers meet in a secluded dell in the forest, to choose their Queen. A person discontented with the world, seeks, in the same place, retirement from its cares and disappointments. The Flowers tell of love and duty ; and the Recluse—learning that, to fill well the station allotted by Providence is to be happy—resolves to return again to usefulness and contentment among her. fellow creatures., All the tableaux had to be repeated. The following were the characters sustained : Recluse, Mrs I, Young; Rose, Mrs J. ( Robinson ; Sunflower, Mrs W. Slack; Crocus, Mrs Barnard; Dahlia, Mrs Clemett; Heliotrope, Miss P. Fraser ; Eily, Miss McMillan ; Dandelion, Miss Symons; Hollyhock, Miss Harley .; Japonica, Miss Hamer ; Violet, Miss Cargill; Mignonette, Miss Spelman ; Tulip, Mrs Slack; Touch-me-not, Miss Adams.; Pansey, Mrs Stewart; Buttercups, Mrs F. Robinson; Ivy, Miss Sowman; Poppies, Misses Collins (2), Barnard, K, Spelman, B. Speirs, A. Newth, Podmore, H ; Webb, F. Edwards, 0. Fraser; j Heather Bells, Mona Grey, Mavis ] Easton, Topsy Spelman, Thelma Young, Coley, B. Fraser, Phoebe Symons, Myra Wanklyn, Elsie Reeves, Millie King,. Ennis, and others.

The maypole dance was a much appreciated item, the little tots acquitting themselves admirably. A mistake was made in requesting the, audience to stint its appreciation by way of applause; the ‘ enunciation on the part of one or A two singers was faulty thus breaking the connecting thread. How-" ever, these slight defects can easily be remedied at to-night’s performance. Mr Berthold’s orchestra played some spirited selections and accompaniments. Miss Gray presided at the piano. The stage management was in the capable hands of Mr Alf. Fraser who was responsible for the effective grouping and lime-light effects. Mrs Young is to be heartily congratulated upon her efforts and where all acquitted themselves so well it would be invidious to single out any of the vocalists for special mention. All those who were not present last night, should not miss the opportunity of attending this evening.