"CINDERELLA."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16985, 23 April 1917, Page 6

"CINDERELLA."

A HIGHLY CREDITABLE PERFORMANCE.

The performance of tho fairy opera of Cinderella by juveniles under the direction and guidance of Miss Helen Gard'ner in the King's Theatre on Saturday evening proved an unqualified success. Tho building was packed long before the time carno for the curtain to be raised, and a great many were unablo to obtain admission, even such a privileged individual as the newspaper representative being, crowded out. Tho, very large attendance was ono feature of the success, but there was another, and that was ,tho way the youngsters acquitted themselves. They certainly, without exception, filled the characters they represented with conspicuous ability, and very great credit is due to Miss Gard'ner for the way the children had been trained. It was a labour of love with everyone concerned, the object of the whole effort being to swell tho Returned Soldiers' Fund. A very efficient orchestra, upon which a great deal of the success of tho performance depended, for "Cinderella" as presented was largely a musical entertainment, had been obtained, without difficulty, and with a consciousness that the voices wore juvenile, and had to bo partly led; and partly followed—indeed, that the young singers had Ito some extent to be "coached"— kept matters very evenly balanced. The production was decidedly picturesque and spectacular, and an immense amount of trouble must have been gone to in order to present tho little musical play in the way if was placed before what quickly turned out to a delighted audience. On many occasions something like enthusiasm prevailed, and but for tho prohibition with regard to encores several items .would evidently have been redemanded. Great pains had been taken in the matter of tho children's costumes, and when the stage was full it presented a very pretty appearance. The earlier part of tho evening was given up to tho performance of a mixed programme of music and recitation, the items being allotted to Master Alfred Wilson (assisted by Misses F. and J. Lennox, R, Lambert and H. Johnstone), Master Seon Brown Miss Jean Lennox, Misses E. Scott F Summer, and Master R. Slummer (a trio)! Master Russell Summer, Miss Flo. Lennox and Miss Eva Scott. Then followed the fairy tale of "Cinderella," which formed tho more substantial part of the entertainment. 'Cinderella was quite nicely presented; by Miss May C. Brown,' the two selfish sisters by Misses Muriel and Audrey Sager, Prince Charming by Master Carl Williams, and the fairy godmother by Miss Winnie Beck; all playing their parts' very cleverly.. These are, of course, only a few of the juveniles who appeared in the fairy play. Tho singing was quite commendable, and the dancing very pretty to watch, and the children spoke their Darts well, even though everything they said did not reach the back of tho theatre distinctly. The scenic effect of tho play was greatly enhanced by tho aid of tho lantern, which'| was worked by Mr W. Simpson. I Tho same programme will be again presented this evening. y With regard to the crowding out of ticketholders, {Bid particularly the failure of thosa holding tickets for reserved seats to get their accommodation, it has been explained to us that tho crowd' broke down the rope barricade separating the-, shilling seats from tho two shilling ones, and took possession. An apology was offered to the people outside for what had occurred, those in charge finding it absolutely impossible to do anvthing to remedy matters. Besides the performance to-night, it has been decided to give a special matinee next Saturday, and also performances on Thursday night and on Saturday night. Holders of reserved tickets not used dast Saturday may have them exchanged either for this evening or any of the subsequent performances.