J. C. WILLIAMSON CO.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19198, 3 January 1928, Page 2

J. C. WILLIAMSON CO.

"THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER." When the attractive musical comedy "The Chocolate Soldier" is revived by the talented J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Co. at tho Theatre Royal on Tuesday next there should be a crowded house to welcome a colourful and melodious pieco. When "Tho Chocolate Soldier" was revived in Australia, and played by the same company the musical comedy was received with as much rapture as though it had been heard for the first time. This, it was explained, was in a great measure due to the magnificent vocal triumph of Miss Strella Wilson, who mado a great hit in tho part of the pretty and lovablo Nadina, and the skilful manner in which Mr Chas. Walenn played the difficult role of the chocolate soldier. Chas. Walenn will surprise many when they see him in his favourite role of Bumerli. The pompous Popoff is well represented by another master comedian, John Ralston. Winifred Williamson is well cast as Aurolia, the handsome and flirtatious wife of Colonel l.'opoff; Mabel Gibson makes a mischievous little scamp as the volatile Mascha, Leo Darnton is an ideal Alexius, the lover of Nadina; Bernard Manning has a prominent part as the ferocious Bulgarian Captain Massakroff. John Byrno plays Stephen, and Lilian Crisp makes a delightful Katinka. The chorus is a particularly strong and efficient one, and the specially selected orchestra is under the baton of Mr Gustave Slapoffski. The choruses and concerted singing in each act are attractive features of the production. Box plans open at The Bristol, on Friday morning.