"PRINCESS CHRYSANTHEMUM."

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 15091, 13 December 1919, Page 3

"PRINCESS CHRYSANTHEMUM."

AT THE OPERA HOUSE. The comic opera season proceeded with full swing at the Opera House last night, when the pretty play "Princess Chrysanthemum" was staged for the second time. There was a large attendance, the dress circle being fully occupied. From the fine overture at the outset and the opening chorus "Strike the Gong antl Sound the Cymbals," la the grand finale everything went well. Miss Lois Evans again niadu ji striking 1 success of the pleasing title role, giving a splendid interpretation of the part of Princess Chrysanthemum, arid singing solos and m ,ducts m a way .that aroused much enthusiasm. Her solo "Which Shall it Be?" was given with . dramatic effect, indicating the dilemma of choosing between suitors. The duets — "Hoses Red and White," with Mr Harre (the Emperor), and "The Dawn .of Love." with Mr. T- Watson (So-Trii) — were also enthusiastically applauded. *Miss May Goldsmith, had a charming part as Fairy Moonbeam, of which she gave a dainty representation, and her singing was excellent. Her solos "Apple Blossom" and "The Path of Love," were sweetly sung, vigorous recalls being given. Mr C. V. liar re, as the pompous Emperor on the lines of the Mikado, acted m a masterly way, and the advantage of a tine, voice helped materially m the vocal numbers. His solus comprised "'I am the . Emperor What-for-Whi," and "Whether , You Like it or Not," each of which was j encored, and "the latter song being li rightf uned with some amusing topical allusions. Mr H. H. To\vn.send made a great feature of the role of Saucer Eyes, the wizard cat. His best solo was "A Kitten's Tale," m which* Mrs W. Gowie. Misses M. Barker, L. Barker, and G. Buswcll cleverly took part. The descriptive scenes with So-Sli was also most- entertaining. Mr C Margolioutli, as the Court Chamberlain, added much to the -humor of the situation. His, words rang out clear and distinct, and every point of the dialogue was made to tell. As Princess So-Sli Mr W. J. Sinclair got m some clever comedy work, and his solo (with chorus) "A Jully| Little Japanese Sailor" was a very popu lar number, repeated encores being responded to with verses touching on local topics. The role of the successful sultoi Prince So-Tru was taken by Mr T. Watson, who was especially gocd m the vocal numbers. Besides those mentioned he sang with Miss G. Catton "The Golden Butterfly," which was an excerrtiona^j good item man excellent list. Miss fRichards was again very successful m popular interpolated solo, "Ching Chong,' which was enthusiastically recalled. / delightful item on the programme Vva i that given by ihe "Japloo Babies"— Misse^ L. Tr^well, R. Cederwall, M. Bloore, \ jZachariah, E-Paltridge and Y. Paltridge the soloist being little Miss Troweil. Attired in' Japanese costumes, and' using j dolls for the action part of the u li; . i the little girls quirte won the hearts of the audience. The maidens aitendui. on the Princess were Misses P. Wintur. T. Mouat, G. Evans, and Henc Harding, and the latter sang "Lullaby Land,' ; which was accompanied by a very prettj j stage picture, as all were supposed to be ; soothed to sleep before the rude awakeni ing m the finale of the act. Mrs w Bowie and Misses L. Barker, M. Barker, and G. Buswell gave a very graceful rendering of the Pas-de-Quatre dance, ana the eccentric dance was another specia feature, both, being- repeated m response to insistent recalls. These ladies also contributed considerably to the genera entertainment m which the wizard cat was the central figure, their actions h ing finely fitted, to the part. The choruses all went well, and the costumes ano staging were particularly fine. Tli dragon scene was a specially striking one. In the magis ring, m which th chief performers were Misses D. Petchi, and G. Cfttton, with Fairy Moonbeam, a beautiful solo -dance was Introduced. This was one of the gems of the opera, the dancer being Miss M. Hookey, whose graceful performance aroused ihe aud ience to much enthusiasm. The Rev. 11 Packe was an efficient stage manager, and the general dances were arranged by Mrs May. Some of those who took p<i. m the choruses, m addition to principals, were Misses M. Hookey, O. Paltridgo G. Fryer, D. PetcheU, M. Tiffen, G. Catton, S. Richards, E.' Smith, M. Leslie, E. Oxenham. E. Bell, M. Fairlie, V. Long, M. Woodward, l<\ Wilkinson, L. Hawluns, M. Butler, a. Butler, M. Hawkins, D. Hughes, B. Robb; Messrs. w. Mitchell and C. Catton. The orchestra again gave grerft help all through the performance, as well as m th© overtures. The preparation of the. opera must have entailed a great amount of time and attention, and the great success of the production reflects iniich credit on the skill an organising power of the Rev. W. T. and Mrs Drake. The short season Qf the opera will l< brought to a close this- evening, when -a large attendance seems assured, judginp by the booking.