"A SOUTHERN MAID."

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18309, 17 February 1925, Page 9

"A SOUTHERN MAID."

* J. C. WILLIAMSON COMIC OPERA COMPANY. The bos plans' for the first two productions of the coming. J. C'. Williamson comic opera season, "A Southern Maid" and "The Merry Wic'Dw," will be opcDed .at The Bristol Piano Co. to-mororw morning at 9 oclock. Prodigally musical ma.v be termed tho policy of the J. C. Williamson directors in the coming Royal Comic Opera seasou. It is doubtful if so attractive a repertoire has been offered playgoers ever before. Two entirely new comic operas will be presented, "A Southern Maid" and

"Sybil." Also will be specially revived "The Merry and "The Maid of the Mountains." "A Southern Maid," which will be played for the first, four nights, commencing at the Theatre Royal on Saturday next, was produced in Australia by Oec-xr Ascho, who was also responsible for the staging of tho brilliant musical play at Daly's Theatre, London, originally. It is said to bo the most astonishing achievement in scenic display and elaborate stage detail, that has yet been seen south of the . line. In Australia "A Southern Maid" proved) a sensational success, chiefly owing to the remarkably fine performance of Gladys Moucrieff as "Dolores," which, according to contemporaries is easily, the most artistic thing she. ha 3 yet done, surpassing even her admirable characterisation of in "Tho Maid of the Mountains."

The .1. C. Williamson Royal Comic Opera Company .has always been famous for its personnel.. In Claude Flemming this clever organisation nossnsseso an exceptionally fine artist. He. will bp seen..as "Francesco del Kuego," a strong actinc: and siusrinp part. Always a. . prime .favourite, Arthur Stigant. is sure nf a wa.rm welcome. A . newcomer with a good English .reputation i 3 Mr Blake Adams, who will make his first appearance here. Leslie Holland in Williamson musical corned," is a household word. The ladies prominently placed are Nellie Payne, Beryl Wf.Vkelev and Mabel Gibson. "A Southern Maid' 1 with Chile for locality is endowed with an uncommon wealth of colour and natural warmth. Also it is more than ordinarily . supplied with good music, . while th«.costuming is said to be in the very best Williamson, manner. Also there are beautiful ba 11 et3 and 6evetal clever specialty dances dttne by Hazel Meldrum and Tom Moore. "A Southern Maid" will be played I for the first, four and "Tho Merry Widow, for the next three nights.