THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18399, 4 June 1925, Page 6

THEATRE ROYAL.

"WILDFLOWER." "Sorcctbicg mora than. a musical cornea-' 1 is what critics think cf "Wildflower, now tkoxir-g at tho. Thcatve llcysi. "Wildfiower" was written by Olto Jlarbacli and Osc-ar Ranunerstem, tho rruiic being ccmpcse3 by Herbert Stothari and Vincent Youmans. The book is bright, and the comedy 13 such as to keep one thoroughly amused throughout, tho three acts. The music is one of the most taking features of tho play, and some of the numbers are sure to be remembered long after the company has gone on its Tray. "Batuba'ina," a spirited. peasant dance, is perhaps the most striking o. those, with ita sprightly staccato melody, which is introduced in each of the threo ccts with effect.. Then there is "Wildflower, sung by Mr Herbert Browne and a. male chorus, "April Blossoms," "Casimo," and other catchy pieces. The mounting and costuming aro in the Firm's best- style, and the three scenes are a, blaze cf colour. Miss Marie Bmke, tcc principal Ires an attractive part as Nina. "Wi'dflower" will be repeated to-night. "The Cousin From Nowhere."

Next Monday evening and threo following nights the J. C. Williameon, Ltd., Musical Comedy Company, with Miss Marie Burke iu the leading role, will otago for the firsttime in Christchurch tho exhilarating and dcliciouelv tuneful and very amusing comic opera, "The Cousin from Nowhere," which proved oao of the most- successful plays of ite kind staged in Australia last year. Tl:o music of "The Cousin from Nowhere" is probably more appealing than that- in "AVildflower," and the comedians liavo many more opportunities in the first-named opera than in "WiWfloTrer." Also the music is of such a. high standard tliat it gives the singir.? members of the company every opportunity to distinguish themselves. Amonsrst mori popular musical numbers in "Tho Cousin from Nowhere" Bi-e:—"Magical Moon" (Marie Burke), ''Good Night" (Noel Allan), "Uncle and Aunty" (Marie Tie Varre. Floie Allan, Atan Odgers. and Harry ScliofieVl), "Love and You" (Marie Burke iu:d Noel Allan), "Roderick" (all tho yirincinals and chorus), "When the Clouds Roll By" (Floie Allan, Marie Lo Varre. Charles Zoli, Gus Bluett, and the twelve Tulips), "If Love Were All" (Marie Burke). "I'm Just Wild About Dancing" (Floie Allan and Herbert Walton). B:g features of "The Cousin from Nowhere" ore Ihe dances bj' tho Cansino Brothers and Mies Stoneburn. Over £SOOO was expended on dresses tor "The Cousin from Nowhere," nnd the scenery and electrical effects are o f h-er features of this brilliant production. Oulv }.he four representations can Joe staged of "The Cousin from Nowhere.'