THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18400, 5 June 1925, Page 14

THEATRE ROYAL.

"WILDFLOWER." There arc three gorgeous scenes :n '-Wildflower" at the Theatre Royal. The first is a-n Italian landscape, in which groves of fruit trees are seen growing: at the foot of a purple mountain, in the foreground being an apple tree heavily laden with rosy fruit. The second scene is of a mansion overlooking a beautiful lake, and in connexion with it some magnificent necking- is seen, which harmonises pleasingly with the coloured uniforms of a cumber of military officers. The impression made by Miss Marie Burke was a success from the outset. Dark, and with a lithesome figure, added to which is a charming personality, a tuneful voice, snd an ability for acting, this artist has all the qualities which distinguish the star from, the lesser members of a cast. As Nina she was at times the impatient, bad-tempered little virago, and at other times a tender-hearted girl, beloved of all with whom sho came in contact',, except, of course, those in whose way she ttcod bjtv.-ecn the fortune they desired. ' "Wildflower" will -be repeated to-night., and to-morrow night. A matinee performance will also he given to-morrow, for which a low scale of prices is announced. "THE COUSIN FROM NOWHERE." ON tyON DAY NIGHT. The box plans are now open for the four representations of tho latest musical comedy success, "The Cousin from Nowhere," which is to bo staged here for tho first time by the J. C. WihianuJo.n, Ltd., Musical Comedy Company, headed by that brilliant young English soprano, j.i.ano iiurke, at trie Tiieatrc Royal on Monday nigra next. "Tbe Cousin from Nowhere'' id one of trio most delightful musical' plays yet staged in Australia or New Zealand. Ita plot is a real one, its humour is original, ana tho company presenting it is one of the etrongcst combinations of musical comedy and comic opera aj-tists yet sent to New Zealand by the J. CV Williamson management. "Very often," said, a critic recently,

•' 'The Cousin {rota Nownero' reminds .audiences of Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas. Gilbert and Sullivan certainly included no syncopated melcdies nor an exhibition of jazz like the one given by Mies Floio Allan, but the early inuaical melodies, like 'The Cousin from Nowhere,' had a way of bringing all Iho principals .at once and making thoni sing their comments on every turn the plot takes. This is responsible for some excellent fun, especially in the Batavia number. Miss Marie Burke gave us a taste of her artistry in '"Wildflower," and playgoers will bo glad to enjoy her in another role before the season closes. As Julia 'van Osten, this brilliant artist is said to bo at her very best, and her voice receives exceptional opportunities to distinguish itself. Mr Noel Allan has quickly leapt to the front rank in his profession, and as The Stranger, his rich baritone voico is heard in some particularly fine numbers. Mr Gus Bluett lias developed into one of the finest comedians the Australian stage has produced, and he, too, receives greater opportunities in "The Cousin from Nowhere' to display his genius for creating laughter;" Miss Marie la Van*, Herbert Walton, Stanley Odgers, Charlie Zoli, and Harry Schofield are also in the cast. Quite a feature of the production is the ballet work of tho twelve tulips, represented by specially selected dancers from the various J. C. Williamson inusioal comedy companies. The dressing and tho stage effects compare, it is stated, more than fawurably with any J. C. Williamson, Ltd., spectacular production previously staged in Christchurch. Only four representations oan be staged of "The Cousin from Nowhere," as the company will leave for Dunedin on Friday.