"THE EASTERN CHARM."

Shannon News, 11 November 1921, Page 3

"THE EASTERN CHARM."

A FINE SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCE. ■ * After many weeks of preliminary work and preparation, Mrs Parkhouse, presented her original spectacular extravaganza, “The Eastern Charm,” to a large audience in the Maoriland Theatre lasi evening. The production is ambitious and splendidly conceived, and when-it is taken into account that a cast of 60 performers is required, necessitating an enormous amount, of detail in supervision and instruction, the brilliant success achieved by this band of amateurs is highly complimentary, and Mrs Parkhouse, as the writer and producer, as well as being the leading spirit of the cast, may be warmly congratulated on last night’s success. Unlike most performances of the kind, “The Eastern Charm” contains a well-defined plot, the story, in fact, standing out in re lief with a delightful embellishment, of music and dancing. The costuming, especially in the Eastern scenes, lent a bright dash of colour to the revue, whilst those employed in the first and last, scenes, though more subdued in tone, w&re none the less pleasing In their harmonious effects. "'The Eastern Charm” is not prolific in vocal effects, but the songs presented formed bright spots in the entertainment. The story of the play opens in the home of the English Princess Nadine. One hundred years before an evil king occupied the throne, and. for his wicked deeds was transformed into a monstrous dragon, and continued a menace to'the land. The Princess Nadine is the chosen one to remove this curse. Prince Charming comes to the palace as a guest in search of a lost treasure stolen from his kingdom during the reign of the wicked king. Guided by the Fairy Queen, the Prince and Princess journey to the East to secure the charm with which to slay the dragon. In the gorgeous East, the adventurers meet with thrilling experiences, the rare beauty of Nadine captivating the Eastern lord, and she is forced to accept him as her affianced lord. The betrothal feast is at its height When the Prince and Princess, with the charm in their keeping, succeed in making their escape, and finally reach their home once more. The Prince then sets out in search of the dragon, which he finds and destroys, and secures his long-lost treasure. Last, but not least, he wins’the Princess, and as the old stories have it, lived happily ever after. As Princess Nadine, Mrs Parkhouse’s pourtrayal of the character was charming. She has a graceful stage presence, and gave an interpretation of the part in -a manner (not often found in amateur theatricals. Miss E. Butler was quite a success as the Fairy Queen, and she had with her a pretty little company of whitewinged fairies. Although Miss Orsman has not a voice of powerful quality, “A Big Lot of Sunshine” was warmly accepted. It was in her tole as Chief Page 'to the King that Miss Orsman excelled, and in so emphatic a manner as to' fit her more responsible part. A good piece of character work was Miss Z. Marenzi’s Marjanah, the favourite of the harem, also Miss G. Jones as the second favourite. Throughout the performance there is a series of picturesque and graceful dances, and Miss R. Terry, as Cassia, chief of the Eastern dancers, proved herself to be singularly gifted as an exponent of the terpsichorean art. Another little artist whose dancing was greatly admired was Miss Phyllis Patton, the “little lottos blossom,” who showed surprising facility, and was deservedly applauded. Among the male characters, Mr W. Quarrie as Prince Charming was not lacking in vim, and altogether acquitted himself very creditably. Another successful characterisation was that of Mr G. Parkhouse as the Eastern Lord. The possessor of a light, bat pleasing tenor voice, he was associated with Mrs Davys in an enjoyable duet, and later in a chorus diiet with Mrs Davys. Miss .Tones and Mr Jennings. Mr C. Jennings as King Alphonses, Mr G. Patton (Mustapha, th: philosopher), Mr G. Olsen (a slave), filled minor parts creditably., Mention! of the performance would not be complete without reference to a delightful action song and dance by the Iwo little Thompsons, which was encored, also to the series of splendid dances which were given during intervals in the performance. These comprised of the wood nymphs, butterfly 1 dance, sunshine and tears, dance of the flower, court dance, rose petals, Eastern vessel dance, and the symbols, all of which were gracefully performed, and added much -to Ihe picturesque effect of the revue. The grouping was also prettily arranged, and with fairies, butterflies, Eastern dancers, courtiers, guards and slaves there was no lack of animation and the whole conception went on smooth wheels. The effect was improved by the scheme of coloured lighting employed, and there must he added to this a tasteful display in iha,

stage arrangements. An efficient orchestra, under the direction of Mrs Butler supplied the incidental music. On the whole, Mrs Parkhouse deserves the warmest commendation on the success achieved. “The Eastern Charm” will be repeated this evening. During an interval, the Mayor (Mr Murdoch)'stated that he was sure that all present appreciated the very fine performance that was being given to provide funds for beautifying the town. He said that three months ago, the question of beautifying work had cropped up at the Borough Council, but there was little or no money to go on with. After considering the matter, Cr. Hyde consulted Mrs Parkhouse, who promised to get up a performance tp raise money, and the result was the very, fine entertainment that" night. It had, however, occasioned a lot of work and expense. Mrs Parkhouse had been for weeks preparing the performers, and the success achieved was due to her. Others were also worthy of mention—Mrs Terry*, for making all Hhe costumes free of charge, the parents for supplying the material free of charge, Mr McMillan for re-arranging the; stage and„ installing the coloured lighting, and Mrs Butler and her orchestra f or supplying the music. He moved that they he all accorded a vote of thanks., which was carried with applause.