Described as a 'Japanese opera' The Grey Kimona was first staged by juveniles under the direction of Meynell and Gunn as the first part entertainment at Adelaide's Theatre Royal (the second part being a selection of short moving pictures). The storyline involves the Damio of Kissi-Kissie who decrees that until his daughter, Kissie-mie) is married no one in his kingdom shall be allowed to kiss – the punishment being execution. The machinations of the plot then revolve around a group of American tourists 'who have come to exploit the music halls of the country' (Advertiser 30 September 1907, p.9).
The introduction of the American variety entertainers provided ample opportunity with the storyline for the introduction of songs, dances and comedy routines. Songs from the operetta include: 'I Know a Little Push Around the Corner,' 'Japloo Baby',' 'When the Fish Don't Bite,' and 'A Little Boy and an Apple Green.'
1907: Theatre Royal, Adelaide; 28 September- 4 October
Japloo Baby
F. Wynne Jones
(composer),
1907
Sydney
:
J. Albert
,
1907
7823606
1907
single work
lyric/song
'Australian child actors fascinated and amazed audiences at home and abroad at the turn of the twentieth century. Before robust education and labour laws insisted children should be at school or at home, many children, predominantly girls, found their way into Australia’s vibrant commercial entertainment industry, appearing in variety/vaudeville entertainments, pantomime, comic opera, musical comedy, drama and circus. Doris Joyce, Rosie Fitzgerald and Queenie Williams were three young actors employed by the production team of Clyde Meynell and John Gunn. Examining their careers during the years 1906–1908 reveals the genuinely surprising tenacity, agency and sophisticated talents of child actors of the period.' (Introduction)
'Australian child actors fascinated and amazed audiences at home and abroad at the turn of the twentieth century. Before robust education and labour laws insisted children should be at school or at home, many children, predominantly girls, found their way into Australia’s vibrant commercial entertainment industry, appearing in variety/vaudeville entertainments, pantomime, comic opera, musical comedy, drama and circus. Doris Joyce, Rosie Fitzgerald and Queenie Williams were three young actors employed by the production team of Clyde Meynell and John Gunn. Examining their careers during the years 1906–1908 reveals the genuinely surprising tenacity, agency and sophisticated talents of child actors of the period.' (Introduction)
