“CRUSOE IN TOWN”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20507, 18 March 1941, Page 5

“CRUSOE IN TOWN”

BRIGHT PANTOMIME BRILLIANT SETTINGS A merry extravaganza that combined both juvenile and adult talcnL. the pantomime “Robinson Crusoe” was produced again in the Opera House last night to raise funds for- the East Coast Provincial Patriotic Society. The weather, unfortunately, affected the attendance. The entertainment was written and produced by Will B. Kenny and presented by Miss Maureen Keany.

Frequent chances of scenery, effective settings, striking costumes end clever lighting effects, combined vc.th a wealth of talent, all made for an excellent production, which was thoroughly enjoyed by those present. Mr. Keany as Dame Crusoe, who

was always trying to evade the clutches of Mrs. Grasper, played by Mr. C. Robinson, provided most of the fun. Robinson Crusoe, played by Miss M. Shone, was a wandering boy whose love affair and singing with Polly Perkins iMiss J. Williamson) added a brightness to the show, while Mrs. A. C. Coleman as the fairy queen also had the opportunity of rendering seme fine songs. Of course, there was a Man Friday and his mate Saturday (Masters Billie McCafferty and Ffancis McFadgen). Others ih the cast were Sally, Miss S. Munro; Mabel. Miss N. Neal; Aloma, Miss Sheila Munro; Nell Bristol, Miss Veronica Sexton; Will Atkins, Miss Tcss Rapley: and Britannia, Miss Ngairc Neal. Patriotic Flavour

A patriotic flavour was added to the production with a song and dance. “There’S A Boy Coming Home on Leave,” by Misses M. Shone and L Williamson with chorus, while Mr. W. Bignall as John Bull provided t.wo stirring songs, “The Empire is Marching" and “March of the Empire.” Members of the ballet and chorus were.—Ballet: Misses Tcss Raoley. Ncssie McCafferty. Pat Main, Italic Marsicano. Marie Burke. Joyce Riley. Rhonda Wright, Patsy Burke, Marion Kernohan, Marie O’Gorman, Gwen Simmons. Cushla Ardern. Eve Rogers. Marie McLaughlan, Anna Muir. Muriel Clements, Ann Darby, Betty Rogers, Carolyn Muir. Margaret Green, Shonn Darby, Grace Harkess, Gail O’Gorman, Margaret Dudley, Nan Marsicano, Shirley Nisson. Nellie Lannigan. Claire Sturrick, Janie McErlaine, Pam. Connup, Colleen Chandley, Nita Tutenberg, Jacqueline Aiken. Judith Connup, Margaret Lannigan, Palsy Knox. Dorothy Scanlon and Nolcnc Chandley. Chorus: Misses Veronica Sexton, Leoni Binder. Cccila Munro. Kathleen Clarke, Molly McCafferty. Maureen Patterson, Ursula Quinn, Veda Lewis, Margaret Gousmett, Peggy Wathey; Messrs. Phil. Balfour and Avan Evans.

Willing helpers included the following: House manager, Mr. Frank Williams; stage manager, Mr. H. MeLernon; assistant stage manager, Miss L. Godfrey; properties, Miss D. Hawkins; lighting effects, Messrs. J. Little and W. McKay; wardrobe mistress, Miss F. Keany.