‘PRINCESS GARDENIA’

Evening Star, Issue 22383, 6 July 1936, Page 14

‘PRINCESS GARDENIA’

ATTRACTIVE JUVENILE PRODUCTION

Tho Dunedin Juvenile Operatic Society presented its ninth production. ‘ Princess Gardenia,’ in tho Town Hall Concert, Chamber on Saturday afternoon and evening, when the performance again reached a very high standard. Mrs Richard Hudson (the patroness of.the society) opened the proceedings, congratulating Miss Eagar and the children on their past successes, and wishing them good luck on future occasions. Miss Muriel Eagar was the producer and the enthusiasm with which the production was received marked the operetta as an instant success, and should encourage the young artists to continue in this interesting field of artistic endeavour.

The story tells how the Princess Gardenia is stolen away by the Wizard Cat, and of her gallant rescue by Prince Charming, with the aid of the Fairy Queen The part of Princess Gardenia was played by Isabel Dakers, a dainty little actress with a sweet singing _ voice, which she used to advantage in the solo, ‘ Which Shall It Be,’ and later was heard in tv'o delightful duets, ‘ The White Gardenia ’ and ‘ The Dawn of Love,’ with Olive Biggs, who made an ideal Prince Charming, and whose solo, ‘ In a Bamboo Gai-den,’ was much enjoyed. The part of the Emperor, whose ferocity is combined with grim humour, was admirably sustained by Mr Les. Jack, who was heard to' advantage in two musical numbers, ‘ Whether Yon Like It or Not ’ and ‘ I Am the Emperor.’ Elsie Kirkham, an attractive Empress with an excellent voice, sang ‘ Here’s to Love ’ and was also heard in a trio, ‘ Lullaby Land,’ with Hinerua Adams (Toto) and Jean Biggs (Ting-ting). The company is fortunate in having such a clever little commedienne as Gloria Poots, who infused much life and character into the part of the Wizard Cat, being at all times amusing and entertaining. Edith Wallace gave a clever characterisation of the Court Chamberlain, and sang ‘ The Golden Butterfly ’ and the ‘ Jolly Little Japanese, Sailor,’ in which she was assisted by Hinerua Adams and Mavis Laingmuir (So-sli), who played the part of the rejected suitor in a most competent manner. Colleen M'Millan, a dainty fairy Queen, sang ‘ The Path of Love ’ very sweetly. _ Other small parts were filled by Valerie Reid, Verna Thompson, Ruth Seddon, and Dawn Jones. The other performers were: Joyce Taylor, Nellie Biggs, Nancy and Noni Healey, Gladys Jones, Moira Biggs, Lily Foote, Jean Hall, Mario Bosworth, Betty Waters, Tilly Pratt, Maureen Keenan, Betty Gray, and Peggy Gaiger. The dancing, from the studio of Miss Gwen Webster, was of a high order. Little June Goodwin danced ‘The White Gardenia’ and the tap dancers were Frances, Joan, and Betty Bryan, Joyce Meinung, Ngaire Moody, Daphne Irwin, _ Daphne Finnerty, and Yvonne O’Neill, Joyce Rowley (pupil of Miss Barbara \Villiams) gave a finished performance of the toe dances, ‘ The Golden Butterfly ’ and ' Japanese Umbrella.’ At the matinee Jessie Leishman and Clara Thorn sang' two appropriate duets during the interval. Miss Muriel Caddie was the musical directress, and Miss Dora W T ilson the violinist. Begg s Orchestra, under the baton of Mr J. Hiraburg, rendered the incidental music, which was much appreciated. At the conclusion flowers and gifts were presented to Miss Eagar and the young performers.