MUSICAL COMEDY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18917, 4 February 1927, Page 15

MUSICAL COMEDY.

MARIE BURKE IN "KATJA" AND "WILDFLOWER."

Tho latest London comic opera success, "Katja," which is to be produced hero by tbu J. C. Williamson, Musicul Comedy Company, headed by Miss Mario Burke, of tho Theatre Itoyal, on Wednesday night next, and subsequent evenings and on Saturday afternoon, February lath, eclipsed tho success won in Sydney by "Wildflower, and it is now breuking records in New Zealand.

It is said that tho music in "Katja" stands out in bold roliof from tho commonplace of most musical comedies—.several of tho numbers approach tho grand opera atandard—and tho loss pretentions songs possess tho charm of rhythm. For the greater part they aro crisp, harmonious, and lilting, falling on tho car with refreshing lightness, and leaving behind a longing for more. "Tho dressing," wroto a Sydney critic, "is superb, tho principals in particular being exquisitely gowned and lailuicu, whilst tho chorus ia well arranged, and brightly exocuted dances proscnt splashes of whirling colour that frequently bewilder the eye.' Nor can any experienced playgoer find fault with tho Bettings, which arc in good taste and very prctcittiotis." It is .«aiu that Miss Mario Burko in "Kutja'' reveals surprisingly good musical talent. "Her treatment of 'Dancing Together,' wrote an Australian critic, "her share of tho duet "I'hofo Eyes so Tender,' and her dance during the second net were artistic in tho extreme." Mi3s Burke has a delightful personality, and she played and looked her part. A cleverly managed fall, closing the second act, after Paul had jumped through tho open casement, completed a thrilling scene, and tho audience showed :ts appreciation by applauding wildly." Tho new comedian from London, Mr It. BarrcltLcnnard, creates much humour by his eccentric gestures, burlesque, and clever dances, and funny faco expression, and ho invests his musical numbers with quaintnesg and humour. Cecil Kcllaway is always humorous, and as Count Orpitch ho is in his most whimsical mood. It ia said that Mr Herbert Browno makes a manly Princo Carl, and his splendid tenor voice is heard at its best in tho solos and ducts rttaehrd to his role. Miss Babctto Odcal will mako her first appearance hero aa Mauio, in which rolo alio created a furoro in Sydr.cy. Her big and original danco number had to bo repeated no less than three times on tho opening production of "Katja" in Sydney. That dainty and delightful soubretto, Miss Thclma Burnoss, will bo welcomed in tho character of Pat Orpitch, which she created in Sydney. Mr Noel Dainton, a talented young English artist, will mako his first appearand as Ivo. Messrs Charles Zoli una Frank Hawthorne aro also in tho cast. The production was staged uder the personal supervision of Mr Charles A. Wenman. Only six representations can bo stagedi ol Katja," and then three revivals of "«,>'<<• flower" will bo given. On Saturday, February 13th, tho company will produce, for the first time in Australasia, Franz Lehors famous and beautiful comic opera /".»• quita." The box plans for "Katja will bo opened at The Bristol Piano Co. on Monday morning next, at nino o clock. a qucuo will bo formed from a.m.