"CINDERELLA"

Taranaki Daily News, 3 December 1926, Page 9

"CINDERELLA"

PERFORMANCE AT STRATFORD. GREAT SUCCESS ACHIEVED. Staged under unforeseen difficulties in the town hall, the dance play Cinderella, by Miss Elwyn Riley and pupils, of New Plymouth, was presented at Stratford last night. The large audience was delighted, however, by the result, and many congratulations were offered to the performers. “Cinderella” is one of those fairy stories beloved by old as well as young. It never loses its appeal because it represents the triumph of right and beauty, but to make it convincing to a critical audience, to prepare the scenery and the gorgeous costumes, to organise and teach the very young children who took part, was an ambitious task indeed. Yet- it was accomplished, and the general result was excellent. The tiny dancers, actresses and singers well earned the enthusiastic applause, and the flowers and chocolates that were passed to the stage before the curtain was finally dropped. The scenery was particularly effective and would have done credit to a professional company. It was evident that a great deal of time and thought had been expended on colour schemes and ensembles. One setting in the third act was most pleasing. The good fairy sat on a raised throne at the back of the enchanted glade with two intriguing tiny tots at her feet. Then gradually spreading outwards were large tulips on the ground, each one containing a littl water sprite and each with its attendant emerald green frog. The idea of distance and natural surroundings was well simulated, and there was just that dash of contrasting colour to make the picture completely striking.