'CINDERELLA'

Evening Star, Issue 22952, 9 May 1938, Page 9

'CINDERELLA'

MISS MURIEL EAGAR’S PUPILS On Saturday afternoon and evening the Dunedin Juvenile Operatic Society presented the charming operetta ‘ Cinderella ’ in the Concert Chamber before a large and appreciative audience. The producer,' Miss Muriel Eagar, who has set a - standard of attainment by the successful presentation of juvenile operettas, again demonstrated her skill and ability in the training of these talented children, who acted and sang ‘ with charming naturalness and spontaneity, and succeeded in presenting to the audience a bright and colourful presentation of the old fairy tale. , . , The operetta was preceded by a varied programme of musical and elocutionary items, which were , greatly enjoyed by the audience-, The choir gave every evidence of careful preparation, and presented ,thtee numbers ‘ Sunshine,’ ‘ Water’Lilies,’ and ‘ Sea Song ’ —in a thoroughly competent manner, Piano solos were played by Joyce Taylor, Gloria' Foots, Valerie Reid, Peggy Gaiger. Peggy Lye, and a piano duet by Valerie - Reid and Peggy Gaiger. ■Action songs were attractively sung by Maureep Keenan and Mina Parker. A duet by John and Max Scott was a popular number. The senior students also contributed vocal solos of a high order. They were Mary Delaney, Betty Perks, Isabel Dakers (who sang very well), Jean Hall, and Hilda Paul. Mrs J. F. Mills also sang. Recitations were given by Valmai Gilmour, Maureen Mills, and Valerie Reid. The operetta ‘ Cinderella ’ proved delightly entertaining, the children performing their various parts with evident relish. The play was artistically staged and the costumes were exceedingly attractive. The cast was particularly well chosen, the principal parts being taken by Gloria Foots (Cinderella), Isabel Dakers and Mary Delaney (the stepsisters), Mr D. C. Rose (Papa), Donald M'Farlane (Prince Charming), and Betty Perks (Fairy Queen). The operetta opened with the singing of ‘ Hail to Our Prince’s Natal Day,’ following which Isabel Dakers and Mary Delaney presented the duet ‘At the Prince’s Ball To-night.’ The parts of the stepsisters were very ably handled, and in conjunction with Mr D. C. Rose .(who made a very alarming and irascible old gentleman) they presented the trio 1 When to the Prince ’ in a humorous manner. Gloria Foots was a charming Cinderella. She sang ‘ 0 Were I a Lady ’ appealingly. '■ This was followed by the chorus- ‘ Merry Snow-white Fairies.’ A dainty dance by Joyce Rowley preceded the appearance of Betty Perks, who sang ‘ Sweet Cinderella ’ attractively. Maureen Keenan (a tiny fairy) carried in the glass slippers and sang ‘ Dance Away.’ The first part concluded with the singing of the chorus ‘Go Forth in Beauty.’ The third act was especially enjoyable. It opened with a very amusing scene in the garden, where the step-sisters and papa provided some excellent comedy. The prince and courtiers appeared as minstrels, Donald M'Farlane singing with good effect ‘Careless Wandering Singers.’ This was followed by the chorus ‘ Will It Fit You ?’ after which Gloria Poofs and Donald M'Farlane sang ‘ The Keys of Heaven ’ with excellent expression. 'The finale ‘All Joy Be Thine ’ brought the operetta to a successful close. The accompaniments were artistieallv played by Miss Olive Moreton. L.T.C.L. .

On behalf of the pupils Miss Bakers presented Miss a music case, and flowers and gifts were received by the young performers at the conclusion of the entertainment.