SCHOOL OPERETTA

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 43, 13 June 1938, Page 2

SCHOOL OPERETTA

SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE '-t * % A BARGE Atbli&v^E The exceedingly large audience present at the Regent Theatre on Friday night when the pupils of the Opotiki District High- School presented the operetta , ‘ ‘Princess Chrysanthemum ’’, pronounce tile entertainment to, be the most successful juvenile performance seen in Opotiki for many years. Being a Japanese Operetta, opportunity was given for colourful decorations and costumes, and the opening scene with the full stage of picturesque Japanese figures in their colourful kimonos, their contrasting, fans, the girls’ dainty floral head-dresses, and the very, realistic make-up of slanting eyes and be-whiskered gentlemen, against a background of dainty cherryblossom and chrysanthemums, wa s really brilliant. The chorus work was excellent, while it is difficult to comment individually on the leading characters who played their parts in a manner worthy of more experienced artists. Miss Ngaire E'ppingstall, as Princess Chrysanthemum, was charming. She presented a pretty figure in her lovely gown of deep pink and silver, a feature, of her' outfit being a beautiful ostrich feather faji which she displayed to advantage with dainty gestures. She al.'o proved herself the possessor of a sweet voice. Master John Parkinson, as Prince So-Tru and Master K. Holmes as Prince So-Sli were gallant figures in their handsome costumes and they, too, enacted their roles excellently' and delighted the audience with their vocal solos. Master Douglas O’Sullivan, as Top-Not, Court Chamberlain, was well chosen for the role, making the various announcements in a clear and decided manner. Master Geoffrey Potts was splendid as the Emperor What-for-Wlii. He wore his magnificent- robes in a. 'manner befitting iv monarch and was quite composed and kingly in liis manner.

Miss Heather Hilford as Chief Maid of Honour and Miss June Campbell as Fairy Moonbeam were dainty little characters and won the approval of the audience with their vocal soles. Saucer-Eyes—A wizard Cat, portrayed by Master H. Edwardson, was perhaps, the outstanding character in the performance. He provided the humour in the entertainment and the audience was quick to respond to liis humorous actions and ready wit. His vocal solo -and accompanying clance was excellent. Many of his gestures were obviously impromptu and kept the audience greatly amused.

At the conclusion of the entertainment, Mr A. S. de Montalk thanked all present for their attendance and all wlio had assisted in various ways with the production. Ho especially thanked Mrs liilford as accompanist, for'"the many hours she had spent in training the children, and for her general assistance, and called upon her to accept, as a token of the children’s appreciation. a huge box of chocolates. The presentation was made by Princess Chrysanthemum who also presented Mrs de Muntalk with a charming bouquet, in ajipreciation of her efforts in duci'ng the operetta.

A very bright entertainment was concluded with the singing of the National .Anthem, played by a special orchestra, whose various selections throughout the evening were great Unappreciated.