THEATRICAL AFFAIRS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 107, 9 May 1927, Page 11

THEATRICAL AFFAIRS.

LIX

ACROSB ROM SYDNEY.

Across on mm of his periodical vUito, Mr. F. W. Thring, imaging director of J. G. Williamson Films, aimed by the Aorangi to-day/ Mr. Bwowat Smith, tha N»w 7nlind managing director, came bade from Australia after a short business trip there. Messrs. Thring and Smith will go carefully into their firm's policy of development. Arrangements are soon to be made for the erection of Williamson theatres in several New Zealand towns. Last time Mr. Thring was in Auckland he was so impressed with the New Regent Theatre, that his firm Im* now decided to model their five new theatres in Australia on exactly the same lines. New theatres will go up in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.

No definite arrangement has been made for the tour of the next J. C. Williamson celebrity vaudeville company. Mr. Beaumont Smith says that it is possible that the company will he across here next month. Some acts have yet to be engaged, and be is now waiting for advice from the other side.

B. J. CAKJtOLL ATTRACTIONS.

MR. LEO DU CHATEAU REJOINS FIRM. After founding and directing the National Repertory Society of New Zealand, Mr. Leo du Chateau, well-known theatrical manager, has rejoined the firm of E. J. Carrou. He is in Auckland now making arrangements for the season of the new American comedy company, which will put on "The Best People" and 'Meet the Wife."

After the tour the Beethoven Cenof the American company, Mr. du Chateau will go to Australia to conduet the tour of Ignaz Friedman, Polish pianist, who hat bout up a big reputation for himself in Europe and the States. Last month Friedman was specially engaged to play at tenary Festival in Vienna. He was a big success at the Queen's Hall and Albert Hall, London, in January and February. Productions to be brought to New Zealand by the E. J. Carroll firm include "The Ghost Train," now running at the Melbourne Athenaeum. There was a touch of the romantic with the playing of "The Ghost Train" in London. It was produced by Mr. Lawrence Grossmi th, who had, as a business manager, Mr. Harry Cohen, of Dunedin. Mr. Grossmith opened a season at the St. Martin's with "The Silver Fox," which was a gnat success when it was staged eat here. In - London, however, the critics were verysevere on the play and the season was a failure. The tlustre had been taken- for a period and the position seemed hopeless. Theui foowoM had a bright idea and suggested staging "Th* Ghost Train." It was an instantaneous success. Later the play was taken to the Garrick theatre where it is still playing to crowded houses. Musk lovers In the Dominion will be delighted with the news that there is every probability of hearing the brilliant Kreisler again. In September he is to tour South Africa, and under present arrangements lie will tour the East, Australia and New Zealand. If the tour eventuates, Kreisler will be here late in 1928.

Mr. £• J. Carroll it at present looking for new attractions between London, America and the Continent, while Mr. Dan Carroll is in charge of the Australian and New Zealand organisations.