"RIO RITA."

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19664, 6 July 1929, Page 7

"RIO RITA."

GALA PERFORMANCE. MONDAY NIGHT. Judging by the exceptionally heavy booking at The Bristol for the New Opera House next week. Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller's "Rio Rita" Musical Comedy Company should have a record season in Christchurch. Everybody is looking forward with keen interest for the arrival of this wonderful show, which has caused such a sensation throughout Australia, and is now taking New Zealand by storm. It is only at very rare intervals that theatregoers in New Zealand have an opportunity of seeing guch a magnificent production as "Bio Rita" adequately interpreted by a first-class company, and a special orchestra. No pantomime could surpass "Bio Rita" for sartorial splendour. It is American musical comedy at its best. There are a well defined love theme, delightful music, and an excellent story told in settings of tempestuous Mexico, with a peep into "Gay Paree" and Sunny Spain. The theme is handled adequately, garnished with song gemr and haunting refrains The numerous dances are woven into the movement of the play so that the continuity of the story is never interrupted and can be followed right through the production. The personnel of the "Bio Rita" Company includes Miss Glsdys Moncrieif, hailed by critics ss the world's greatest musical comedy artist, and Miss Janetto Gilmore, a wonderful dancer and comedienne. Miss Gilmore's work, according to report, bears the true stamp of genius, and her eccentric dancing is something to be marvelled at. Messrs Dave Mallen and Charles Norman form the comedy duo, while Mr Las. lie Pearce, as Captain of the Rangers, shows himself possessed of a very fine voice nad commanding stage presence. Lesser roles are handled by specially imported artists, who, in their own particular niches io the company, give polished performances* adding lustre to the general effect of the presentation. Australia has admittedly the finest ballet girls to be found anywhere, and the very cream of these was chosen for the "Rio Rita" ballets. The result is three solid hours of gorgeous pageantry.