CHILDREN’S OPERETTA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 289, 3 November 1934, Page 8

CHILDREN’S OPERETTA.

ST. PETER’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

A BRIGHT PERFORMANCE

Performed by talented children of the St. Peter’s Church Sunday School, a delightful operetta, “Princess lone San,” which deals principally with the saving of a charming Japanese princess by a gallant knight from a fearsome dragon, provided a bright entertainment at the Coronation Hall, Terrace End, last evening. The presentation was admirably organised by Mrs D. J. Davies, wife of the vicar, and the production reflected the greatest credit on her and her assistants. A feature of the performance was the splendid dressing of the children, and the arrangement of the tableaux. The final number, “The Valley of the Moon” ballet and ensemble, was daintly arranged. There was a splendid attendance, and at the conclusion of the performance the vicar (Rev. D. J. Davies) thanked Mrs McNeilly, Misses Lancaster and Ranson for playing the music at the rehearsals, also the orchestra who had so willingly given their services that evening and had contributed in no small measure to the success of the production. For the costuming of the children, Mr Davies thanked Misses Lees, Oliver and Lancaster, also the Young Women’s Guild and the mothers who had sewed so assiduously for their children. Messrs Barsanti and Lees were thanked for the preparation of swords and shields for stage properties, Mr Robotham for the lighting effects and Mr McCullough for his services at the door. Appreciation was expressed of the work of Miss Oliver in training the children so well for the fairy and “Valley of the Moon” ballots. The cast of characters for the production was as follows:—Dragon King, Gwen Roberts; Prince Suza Noo, Rosemary Small; Princess lone San, Hope Belfit; Chang, Phyllis James; Fairy Queen, Beryl Robinson; Japanese girls, Ohvyn Stidolph, Shirley Dobson and Elaine Dixon. All gave a good interpretation of their parts, their acting being greatly appreciated. There were many pleasant interludes in the performance. The solo “The Valley of the Moon” was sung very prettily in the first act by Rosemary Small, with ballet. She also gave a smart waltz duo with Hope Belfit. “Hiawatha’s Lullaby” was nicely sung by Joyce McNeilly who, with Meryle Hardie, contributed a tap dance. That very popular number “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bag Wolf” was given bv Dorothy, Madeleine and Kathleen McKegg, Joyce McNeilly, Norma Bradley, Olwyn Dando and Cora Crocker, with Ruby Coman as the wolf. The second act opened with the song "The Little Street,” by Aileen Nash, and this was followed later by an effective umbrella and fan dance by the ballet. Phyllis James as Chang cleverly danced the sailors’ hornpipe. “The Girl in the Little Green Hat” was sung by Aileen Nash at the beginning of the third act, with ballet, and a tap duo was given by Gwen and Betty TJridge. “When Spring and Cherry Blossom Come” was next sung by Hope Belfit and “The Pink Lady” valse—a dance of the flower petals—saw the appearance again of Phyllis James, Gwen Uridge, Shirley Dobson, Elaine Dixon and Olwyn Stidolph. Finally, after interesting scenes and pretty music, the dragon was vanquished and the operetta concluded with the very attractive “Valley of the Moon” finale. A bouquet was presented to the Princess (Hope Belfit) by Ohvyn Stidolph and one to Mrs Davies by Julie Dean.