“TOTS” STEAL SHOW

Grey River Argus, 17 December 1946, Page 3

“TOTS” STEAL SHOW

Trott’s Pupils

IN “HAPPY FEET” PRODUCTION.

Star performer in last evening’s dancing concert was, without question, Shona McAra, in “The Second Ballett.” Miss McAra, and members of the ballet which followed her song, were all the “tots” of Miss Miriam Trott’s cast, and throughout the programme, literally “stole the show.” Always in evidence was the master touch of the artist and experience, and great credit must go to Miss Trott who Was directly responsible for the high standard of dancing she has achieved with her younger pupils. Their exhibition in “Nursery Rhymes” was meritorious, and the public were treated to a class of entertainment hitherto not witnessed in Grey mouth. The theatre was filled to capacity, many patrons in the circle having to sit on the stairways, and, under the direction of Messrs L. Wicks (Stage Manager) and R. Henry (lights), the show went from start to finish with a sparkling continuity. Mr. W. Ford’s orchestra supplied the music, and items included a piano-accordeon solo, “Jealousy” by Seena Dowell; a violin solo “Intermezzo” by Rona Peillon; and a .piano-accordeon and violin duet, “Washington Post.” The wardrobe was excellent, and no effort had been spared to have the appropriate scenery for the various acts.

A highlight of the performance was a poi dance by Miss Violet Russell and partner. These two artists were recalled twice, their final number being a haka. Tap dancing and individual dance items were good, among those worthy of special mention being Rosemary O’Brien’s “Spanish Tango”; Leola Goodall’s “Toe Dance”; “Me and My Shadow” by Audrey Nott and Rosemary O’Brien; and “You’d be Surprised” by Dovey Clarke and the Suntan Girls —D. Goodall, V. Gilmore, A. Nott, N. Hayden, E. Duggan, R. O’Brien, V. Henderson, M. Cleghorn and S. Sexton. Other items were: “Happy Feet,” Dovey Clarke; “Nursery Rhymes,” Maxine Wicks, Lynette Hardie, Lynette Wicks, Cynthia Howat, Rosemary Molloy, Pamela Panckhurst, Glenda Thompson, Valerie Harris, Joan Stopforth, Kay Cummings, Margaret Tinning; Tap Duo and Dance, Billy and Bobby Hunter; “Run Little Raindrop Run,” song, Lynette Hopkinson; “The Obstructive Hat,” Pat Caldwell; Mexican Dance, Audrey Nott; Vocal Solos “The Song of the Vagabond” and “Here is my Song/’ Mr. T. Hatch; Swedish Ballet; Spanish Peasant, Lois Thomson; Dance, Kay Cleghorn; “Silver Wings in the Moonlight,” Ngaira Tate and 'the Suntan Girls; “The Fairies Gavotte,” the Tiny Tots; Highland Reel, Lois Thomson, Ailsa Gallon, Lynette Hopkinson, Gaynor Blair, Valerie Harris. Shona McAra, Leola Goodall, Zelda Cleghorn; Dutch scene; Military Ballet, the Suntan Girls; “Spirit of the Shell,” the Tots; Vocal solo “Jealousy,” Mr. Lloyd Hansen; Staircase duo, Zelda Cleghorn and Lynette Hopkinson; “The Little Swan.” Ailsa Gallon; Russian number; Narcissus: Irish medley, (song): Valerie Harris (reel): Rosemary Molloy, Glenda Thompson, Shona McAra, Ailsa Gallon, Leola Goodall, Zelda Cleghorn; Polish dance, Enid Duggan; . and Winter Wonderland, (song): Jillian Bluett and Glenda Thompson (duo)' Zelda and Maureen Cleghorn.