"CINDERELLA."

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17612, 15 November 1922, Page 7

"CINDERELLA."

BBXiLiANT PANTOMIMB ■' TO-NIGHT. The Theatre Eoyal should bo crowded tfils evening, when the favourite pantomime, "Cinderella," will be produced by over three hundred talented young people. . The pantomime haa charmed generations of theatregoers, and it will charm many generations more, hut it is «*fe to conjecture that the Christchurch season, which opens to-night, will be one of the most.artwUo ever attempted All the costumes and the scenery are tafrbt and nw. All th* :*r*ahne<B and. 7!i Ux *>i a.ii**«iuiß wul be maw to Uie sJLi ana **»»« eipeiitfnce ct tue promoters, who h»ve leu no bumm> unturned to ensure tne success of the .production from every possible point of view. Uw lull areas rehearsal iaet evening was very pleasing indeed, and there is no possibility ot any bitch •in the penorinance to-night. lhe national dances and ballets are aione worth going tar to see, while the Eastern dance is expressive of the true poetry of motion. Last evening's performance was certainly a most inspiring one from every point of view. The etory is known to everybody, young and old and the interpretations essential to each new production of the pantomime are very appropriate indeed. The variation from the lonehnesß and tears of Cinderella to the mod themes of the Dame, keep the audience under a spell of expectancy, while the beautiful and graceful ballets executed by girls ranging from two years and upwards, leave nothing to be desired. The acting of the principals is excellent. ' The musical side of the production is worth going far to hear. Catchy and specially selected solos, rendered! by the leading local juvenile vocalists, supported by wftiJ-tralnecl choius giris, at once set the audience at ease. The climax is reached when one sees the. gorgeous costumes which make a harmony of colour seldom seen on a stage in Christchuroh. The triumph of the pantomime is reached in the last soene. as the whole strength Of the production stands grouped for the final chorus, and sends the audience away after an evening of pleasure and happiness. The orchestra (with Miss Woods at the piano), under the baton of Mr E. Lbnzden, dispenses pleasing music throughout. The ballets and ensembles are the work of Miss Dorothy "Wicks. The wardrobe is supplied by Mrs Douglas, who is 'Wardrobe-Mistress. The* dressing end make-up department is controlled by Mrs Wicks. The business arrangements are in t!he hands of Mrs Calson, I wrHj Mr W. K. D. Bishop treasurer and Mr J. F. Collins as secretary. Mr W. Bateman is rtage manager;' while the whole pantomime is staged under the personal direction of Mr R. L. Ashley, the producer, who apecially wrote and arranged the Trtmtomime far the occasion.