"RIO RITA."

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19665, 8 July 1929, Page 6

"RIO RITA."

NEW OPERA HOUSE. j i | SEASON COMMENCES TONIGHT. '■ Greet interest is being manifested is !' Christcharch in tr.e "Kio Kita" musical comedy season, commencing at the Sew Opera House this evening, when Sir Benjamin and jMr John Fuller v.-ill present one of the I greatest and most coetly musical comedy j productions thai his ever come to the Dominion, produced snd staged in exactly ihe same lavish way as presented at the St. James Theatre. Sydney. Toe "Kio Rita" company arrived in Christchurch yesterday, and everything is nov ' ready . for the gala opening performance to-night. "Bio Rita" has scored something far mce than an eohemera! succeis as a musical play in Australia, and there liave been requests from aii the capital cities for a repeat season at the end of the >*cw Zealand tour. Admittedly "Kio Rita" is one of the most elaborately s'r.-ed plays the days of "Chu Chin Chow.'' As * matter of fact, the great Aitec scene' in " hicb Gladys Moncrieff sings "Montezuma's Daughter." is reminiscent of "Chu Chin Chow" in its magnificent range of colour its bizarre splendour, and its procession of beautiful -women. Yet "Mocte»uraa'E Daughter" is but a fleeting glimpse upon a crowded stage. All through the show tableau after tableau of colour fills the eye, and the music is richer and brighter than in most musical plays of to-day. In the title ro'-e is Australia's idol. Gladys Moncrieff —a Giadvs subtly transformed, surrounded by charming people, trilling her wistful music under a luminous Mexican moon. A dainty ar'ist is beautiful Janette Gilmore, -whose spuming dances are of a type peculiarly her ov-n". She is a comedienne of great talent, and offers a perfect characterisation of Dolly. the cabaret girl, v.-hils Mr Leslie Pearce, ss Captain of the Hangers, shows himself possessed of a -very fine voice and commanding: stage presence. The whimsical fooling of Dave Hallen and Charles Norman is enough to send the very gravest of citizens into chuckles and gargles of sheer mirth, and thev provoke a continuous stream of laughter thVwhole time they occupy the stage. The supporting cast is excellent, and the ballets and ensembles daszle the eyes with their ! wealth of colour, variety, and bewildering 1 beaut-'. The whole production ts a rare ' feat "iv theatregoers, and early booking is ! Commended at The Bristol. There will I be matinees on Wednesday and Saturday ! next.