"THE MAGIC WOOD"

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13886, 11 October 1918, Page 4

"THE MAGIC WOOD"

AND "THE MERCHANT OF VENICE." One of the largest audiences ever crowded into the Theatre Royal. Hp'iiiltnn. assembled last night, when an entertainment was given by the pupils of the "Sunning" Girls' School. After the opening of the doors the halt quickly filled, and many people had to be turned away. The first part of the programme consisted of the operetta, "The Magic Wood." This was a simple little thing, well suited fur presentation by children, and Hie production left little to be desired, reflecting credit upon the producer, Miss Annie Turner, L.A.8., and the young performers. A feature was the artistic dressing, the dainty frocks being very pretty and the colour scheme charming. The dancing, too, including the dance of the nymphs, the Fairy Fantasy. the Marching Song, and the gambols <?f the sdml siris and ]hs bad boys, pleased the rjUiJienPa greatly. The lighting and limelight effects added to the attractiveness of the operetta. A violin solo by a little girl who showed great promise followed, after which several scenes from "The Merchant of Venice" were submitted. These were surprisingly well done, considering the youth of the performers. We regret that no names appeared on fhe programmes, consequently we are unable to individualise those who tool? the various characters, but it may be said that the girls who appeared as Portia, Shvlock and Lorenzo were especially good, while the others lent adequate support. The well-known speech in the trial scene, "The quality of mercy is not strained," was delivered with splendid effect by Portia. The stage settings and dressing were harmonious and effective and, altogether, the scenes were presented in a manner which gave much pleasure to the audience. Elocution is evidently given full attentiorti to at "Sonning."

A full orchestra, with Mrs Ross as pianist., gave much assistance. Altogether the entertainment was thoroughly enjoyable, and the promoters and performers are to be heartily congratulate,*] upon the happy result. The dances were arranged by Miss Daphne Knight, of Auckland, and the manner in which they were presented was a tribute to her taste and skill. Buring the evening Mr MacDiarmid, on behalf of Mrs Whitehorn, announced that the entertainment will be repeated on behalf of the Returned Soldiers' Association on Monday evening. The Municipal Band played a number of selections outside the theatre, which helped to attract the people. The box plan for Monday night's performance of "The Magic Wood" will lie opened to-morrow morning.