Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1909-02-04
WAS A GRAND SUCCESS
Comic Opera "Cinderella" Pleased a
Host of Belding People.


ed opera of "Cinderella" has come ano
gone, but its sweet melodies and pleas
ing comedy is still lingering in the ears
of all who were fortunate enough TO bt
present at the production. John Will
son Dodge and his charming little wife
both won their way into the hearts o
all who met or saw them.
The music end of the engagement
during both the rehearsal and the pro
duction was elegantly handled by Mrs
Dodge who is master hand at the pi
ano and director of high ability. The
chorus of mixed voices were gently
blended under her skilful direction
until no sign of discord or lack of har.
mony was discernable.
Miss Bessie Face, in the title roll of
Cinderella, appeared more than ordina-
rily at home in her conception of the
character and her delightful soprano
at once won its way into the hearts OF
all who heard her. Her every appear
ance was graceful and round after round
of applause was the audiences testimo-
ninal of their approval.
John Wilson Dodge as Prince Leo, a
royal lover, assumed the part in a man
ner highly pleasing TO all and showed
him real adept in the lovemaking art.
His magnificent tenor was shown i'm a
charming light in the rendition of his
three beautiful songs, "Cinderella, "
"Haunting Eyes and "Just Because
Love You" Graceful and suave in his
action, he too was generously applaud
ed at each appearance.
III. III. Belding as Sir Oliver, the hen
pecked husband, was delightfully."- fun
ny and with John Higgins as his serv-
ant Bobl<ins, captured the audience at
one fell swoop. Their duet, "The Wine
That is so Rosy, was pleasant way of
showing their singing ability. Every
appearance of these genuine comedians
brought forth vociferous applause.
Mrs. Earl Wilson, as Lady Oliver,
made decided hit and certainly had
Sir Oliver completely under subjection.
Her song, 'I'm Leader of Society,"
proved happy medium for displaying
her rare talent as singer. Hearty ap-
plause from the audience showed their
approval of her rendition of the charc-
ter essayed by her.
Mrs. J. +. Ferguson as Mora and Miss
Sally Smith as Vesta, Lady divers
charming daughters, made successful
hits from their very first appearance.
Vesta's duet with Jasper in, "Love's a
Dream, was beautifully rendered. and
Noras duet with Victor in, "Little
Bunch of Violets," were delightfully."-
pleasing and won storms of applause.
Their various acts also showed much
histrionic ability.
Clifford Knapp, as Capt. Jasper the
soldier lover, was certainly fine. His
singing was good and the audience ap-
proved of his portrayal of the part by
hearty applause.
+. f. Walbrink, as Lieut.. Victor, in
love with Mora, played the part of a
bashful lover with decidedly pleasing
effect. His song, "The Call of the Bu-
GLE" showed his fine tenor TO perfection
and ELECTED hearty applause.
The queenly bearing of Mrs. ]. III.
Armstrong in the role of "The Fairy
Godmother," captured the hearts of
the audience with her first appearance
and her song, ''I'm Your Fairy God
MOTHER" was most pleasingly rendered
and brought her hearty encore.
The costumes worn were charming,
the chorus and various drills through
out the play delightfully."- performed and
reflected much credit on the young peo-
pie who took part in them as well as
on the little lady who acted as their
instructor.
A crowded house greeted them on
Thursday night but owing to the horri-
BILE storm of Friday night only a small
audience was present. The entertain
ment netted St Mary's Guild little
over $4,000 for which they are most
grateful.