COMING SHOWS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18922, 10 February 1927, Page 8

COMING SHOWS.

GRAND OPERA SEASON. .MR CHARLES WENMAN INTERVIEWED. As producer of Franz Lohar's new comic opera, "Frasquita," which will 1,0 give-n its Australian and New Zealand premiere, in Christrhurch this mouth, Mr Charles A. AVcnman, an associate director of .1. C. AVillianisoii, Ltl., is at present in the Cny. The decision to hold the lirsi pe-r----totmance of tho opera in Now Zealand i* a result 01 "tho Finn's'' wish to give Dominion theatre-goers an opporuiniiy ol being liist to view a good production, instead of hnviug to wait many months before an Australian success visits these shuic>.

Mr John Tait will come, to ClnihU chureh from Melbourne for t,ho first night of "Frasquita," while, Miss Minnie Everett, "the Firm's" ballet mistress, is at present here. "When is. 'Rose Marie' coming?" a Pkeb.s reporter asked Mr Wenmaii. Ho was assured that the now famous musical play would bo in New Zealand by September or October. "Rose Marie" lias established a new record in Sydney, having ran from May last, and though it is being taken off this month to go to Melbourne-, Mr Wenuiun says that there would be no fear as to its success for another three months' Sydney seastm.

Two new stars arc promised Colonial audiences, Miss Babbie, do Heries having come to Australia for "Madame Pompadour," which Mr Wenman will produce on his return, while I.eo Franklyn, who was principal comedian in "Turned Op" at the London "Oxford Playhouse," will be leadinri comedian in "Tip Toes" on its Australian debut. Of Australian stage artists who have been playing in England, Mr Wenman had interesting news. Josie Melville is making a success at Home in 'Betty of Mayfair,' 1 and Maggie Dickinson is lead with Clayton and Waller in "Mercenary Mary." Clarrio Hardwick, Dorothy Secombe, and Vera Pcarco aro all in London "Mr Novin Tait and Mr Frank Tait are at present abroad securing artists for a Grand Opera season, which will be given this year or nest," said Mr Wenman. "The Grand Opera Company will undoubtedly come to New Zealand on this occasion, though the Dominion's industrial arbitration, combined with the expense of passages, makes it a costly undertaking."