A MUSICAL FANTASY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 59, 3 December 1917, Page 2

A MUSICAL FANTASY

IN AID OF KRJiE KINDERGARTENS

The dance recital as a dance recitai pure and smiplo seems to havo beeit' abandoned of late tor something of a more elaborate nature, and wu have liad instead fantasies, fairy stories, etc., sometimes with a story that lias been more or less sketchy in character perhaps, but which Ims served as a userm peg upon which to hang songs, monologues, recitations, dances, etc., and by means of winch more spectacular eliects have been secured 111 the way, of dressing and stage settings. One of these a musical fantasy, "Dreamland," was given in tho Concert Chamber of the 'i'own Hall on Saturday evening in aid of the Free Kindergartens. Mrs. Menard was the organiser and tho pupils of her kindergarten were tho chief performers. Miss Ulivo Smith had conceived, and written the story, and Mrs. W. G. M'Cartia bad arranged tho music, some of it having been specially brought from Sydney. The therao of tho fantasy consisted of tho wandorings of two children Joan (Betty Menard) and Ellen (Dorothy M'Dowcll), who sot out in their dreams to find fairyland. In their wanderings they encountered all tho delightful beings that haunt the mind of childhood, including Puck (Irene Marsh), who as usual exercised his prerogative of teasing and leading people astray. The spirit of night (Miss Olive Smith) was one of the beings they made acquaintance with also tho spirit of love (Melvio Drummond), who rescued the unfortunate child whom Puck was tormenting, and led them into Fairyland later on. Tho forest scene in which tho children foui/3 themselves (in their dreams) was very protty and even more so in tho winter scene that followed (in the third act), when tho ground and the trees were covered with show. This scene opened with a very clever recitation by Pearl Jacobs (The Wind), in which she imitated by whistling the eerie sound of the wind among tho trees. Act IV showed the forest in spring time, when tho spring fairies made their appearance, and in the following act the two children found themselves in Toyland, where they met and made acquaintance with all the toys that ravish tho heart of childhood—toys that could sing and dance, and even give rag-time. Even in Toyland it was necessary to have policemen, and diminutive though they were they were fully equal to their duties; and musically acquitted themselves well. . To see the children (most of tho performers j

throughout were children) walking about and performing their "stunts" in the guiso of toys was exceedingly quaint and effective. _ Ultimately the children attained their hearts' delight and were in fairyland, where fairies and gnomes had things all their own way, with Marjory Coster as Fairy Queen. The inevitable .awakening/ however, was at hand, when the children found themselves confronted with Mother (Gwen Patrick), with fairyland but a dream. Throughout the little play there were songs, dances, and monologues that emphasised the character ot the scono. Songs were sung by Rita Howe, Melvio Drummond, Irene Marsli, Dorothy M'Dowell, Eileen Searle, Ida Dear, and Harold ISozare. Irene Marsh (lanced an "Imp's Dance" with much spirit, Betty Menard gave a very dainty "Dance Joyeuse," Phyllis Martin and Mayis Winso a gavotto with much dignity for such small folk, and Ron a. Chapman an American "rag," which was performed with great drollery. Ther'O were also fairies and gnomes' dances, which were very pretty. Dorothy M'Dowell and Betty Menard sang a duet, also Rita M'Gea and Pearl Jacobs, which, as they were golliwogs," was exceedingly quaint. As "members of tho Force," C. M'Dowell, J. Madden, and L. Searle sang a trio which was much applauded. Tnoy also sang a patriotic song, "Englisn, Irish, and Scotch." A particularly pretty chorus was one with bell effects, which concluded the third act. The Concert Chamber was well filled with an audience that was very appreciative of the children's performance, which was much of it very cleverly done for such small people and full or pretty effects. The staging and tho dresses were particularly elective, and the coloured lights, of which Mr. Whitelaw was in charge, did much to enhance the performance. Mrs. Menard had arranged the dances and costumes, and, as already mentioned, the results go to the Fred Kindergartens. On behalf of the Kindergarten Council, Mrs. Gill (president) before the evening ended thanked Mrs. Menard, Miss Olivo Smith, nnd Mrs. M'Caitio for their work for the Kindergarten cause. Miss Helyer helped behind the stage.