REHEARSAL OF PANTOMIME

Southland Times, Issue 23287, 25 August 1937, Page 3

REHEARSAL OF PANTOMIME

“JACK FROST” OPENS TOMORROW VIVID ATMOSPHERE OF FAIRYLAND A polar bear, a mouse, a cat, fairies, gnomes and other fantastic characters create a vivid fairyland atmosphere in the pantomime “Jack Frost” by the Little Southlanders of The Southland Times, which will be presented at the Civic Theatre tomorrow and on Friday. Yesterday morning the young company held its first dress rehearsal in the Civic Theatre, and under the musical direction of Mr Howard Moody _ the children showed that they had gained a thorough control of their parts, and acted naturally and with that effortless grace that is one of the attributes of childhood. The bright costumes add materially to the colour of the pantomime, and the evident enjoyment of the children in their work is another feature that contributes a great deal to the success of the presentation. Comedy, music, decoration and lighting are all skilfully blended to make “Jack Frost a pantomime that should be remembered as a juvenile triumph, and indeed yesterday’s rehearsal was an indication of the painstaking care and preparation of those who are responsible for the organization—Cousin Betty (producer), Mr Howard Moody (musical director), Miss Renee Ward (ballet mistress) and Mr A. Sutherland (stage manager). . Included in the cast—which is a liberal one numerically—are many young performers with previous experience. Of these Babette Lister, Audrey Caspar and Pauline Cullen play important parts. Ron Stewart’s “Song of the Polar Bear” is an attractive feature, and a song written for the occasion by Mr Moody, “Call Me and I Will Hear, is sung by Yvonne Caulfield, who possesses a charming contralto voice. The entire proceeds of the production will be handed to the Invercargill Free Kindergartens. OPENING TOMORROW MATINEE ON FRIDAY The box plan at Charles Begg and Company’s shop for the pantomime “Jack Frost,” has been rushed, and a full house is expected tomorrow night and on Friday night. In response to numerous requests and in order that some of the smaller children may enjoy the thrill of their first pantomime, Cousin Betty, of The Southland Times, the producer, and Mr Howard Moody, the musical director, have decided to give a matinee performance on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. This is expected to please parents whose children are too young to stay awake at an evening performance. The principals and chorus are doing everything well, and the opening is expected to be a triumph for all concerned. Miss Renee Ward has trained a ballet of clever children and the special lighting and scenic affects will add considerably to the success of the play. The box plan is at Begg’s, and as there is no extra charge for booking, it is advisable to reserve immediately. The proceeds are in aid of the Invercargill Free Kindergartens.