“CINDERELLA.”

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1940, Page 4

“CINDERELLA.”

(Contributed)./ i Hokitika has always prided itself on the high quality of its theatrical productions. Not one of the people in the huge audience that attended “Cinderella” this week would deny that a new standard had been set.

Mrs R. F.' Aitken, the producer, undertook a tremendous task and deserves great credit for her success. The operetta was bright and sparkling, the dressing colourful, the lighting effective, and special mention must be made of the scenery painted by. Air Aienzies. A feature was the work ot the children, which showed careful and patient rehearsing. A prologue showed a sleepy child being told a bidtime story. Airs I. Mclntyre as the. mother, and little .Monica King as the child, acted so naturally that they made the story live.

The first ael introduces Cinderella and her two step-sisters. Airs *T. Howat was a very wistful and appealing Cinderella, especially when she sang tin effective little song, “Were I a Lady.” Airs L. Graham and Mrs 8. Bassett must be congratulated on their clever portrayals of the difficult parts of the step-sisters. The contrasting parts were most effective. Mrs Aitken, comp’ete with beard and peruke was the irascible papa. She used her voice skilfully and her actions and -general demeanour proclaimed her sound knowledge of character acting. One of the highlights of the operetta was the next scene, in which crowds of big, medium-sized and tiny fairies danced in from walls and chimney at the summons of their fairy queen who was also Cinderella's godmother; They danced and sang for Cinderella while the pumpkin was changed to a coach, and Cinderella dressed for the ball. Mrs Arnold Perry, in a white and silver frock, star-decked crown, and silver wand, played the godmother in the traditional style. At the cud of this act great applaiu.se greeted Cinderella when she appeared—a vision of beauty and grace in her ball dross. The second act shows a magnificent ballroom. Papa is dragged off to dance by an admirer. Lady Guy, played by Miss Rhodes. The ladies and courtiers apoear in very colourful costumes; 'M-o prince, young and handsome in raatWffi velvet doublet and hose and feathered cap, was played in a dashing manner bv ATfsfs c SHiues. Her charming voice was heard to advantage in two solos. After leading the minuet, a very graceful dance, very favourably commented on, the prince and Cinderella leave The ladies begin to gossip. Airs F. Turner and Afrs.A. Stevenson led them in a delightful little duet. 12 o’clock encroaches. Bet tv Howat, as the Spirit of the Midnight ITour. danced in. searching fer Cinderella, who must leave ’ere clock struck. Clad in silver and red—a bright snot outlining her —she caught the very spirit of the dance, until she sank exhausted as the clock struck and the fairies appeared, lamenting the arrival of the fatal hour. The act finishes with Cinderella dropping her slipper, which is found by the Prince.

The third act depicts a beautiful garden scene. The two' sisters aie quarreling. The Prince appears with his attendants in cloaks and masks. Then we have the trying of the slippers, with good singing by the Prince and chorus. Cinderella tries the sliptier. It fits. The"fairy godmother explains to the Prince. The fairies flutter in and the: operetta ends in a blaze of colour while everyone sings good wishes to the Prince and Cinderella

The musical arrangements were i» the capable hands of Mr P. Goodfellow, who had; to assist him, Airs Reece at the piano, Mr L. Ross, cornet, and Mr P. Crough, violin. Mr Bassett and Mr George Kennedy with their assistants, attended to the scenery, and Mr Bruce was in charge of the lighting. Fahey’s Transport Co. gave their services free. Air M. Dawe, the business manager, reports that a substantial sum will be handed over to the Patriotic Society as a result of the two performances. Cinderella will be repeated on luesday. September 24, for the benefit of lin large number who failed to get a fc Ui.L