"RIO RITA."

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19667, 10 July 1929, Page 8

"RIO RITA."

w BIG FULLER SUCCESS. Greasers and gringoei, and tbs clash of Americans and Mexicans were found to provide something- really colourful for *be latest in musical revue that has come to Christchurch —hcr.ee "Rio Rita." which nas introduced in a large and liappy audience ia toe Opera House on Monday ivenin.;. from .-ill accounts America?:?, and Mexiears arc not ovcr-fu'l of the milk of human kindr,P.s towards each other, and this is apt In result in tearful mini's on in thy re~ion of ■ lie Kio Grande. The romantic nature, of the locality and th" people—according 10 certain ].o-,dj"and mocor. ; i-'ures —is capable of su;iplying- a ufaltn «i c-iiour. 3nd this, combined vciYii ~n main --I'af: ; n the iiKvhinery of the 7.10t ivi the shape of Rita, the passionate beauty, ruokei the tnu:-ica( comedy pmincntiy rcceprable in a!l Us many department?. The play had a sreat run in Australia, and it appears that here also it will be a theatrical landmark, to be remembered Tor some time, after its departure in search of further vici lories. 1 To bo successful musical comedy must contain goodly quantifies of music, dancing, real comedy, some sentiment, tpoctacular frocking nnd DJouuting. and a theme-song that -will capture the favour of the younger generation. •'Rio Kita" hns all these in just the right amounts, and the theme-son?: itself is particularly veil known. In fact, it "came out" a considerable rime ago. (if i-.allftf, "Rio Rita'' has a vast number, and every one is i-\celh"it. Particularly notable were an A/tec j.arade. and a moon li~rit ballet >n ■.vlin-h the spectacular ckmen' wa* by brilliant costume;} contrasted v.iili a dim .'!«?!>. .Ml the costumes—and they did not err on the p jde of generosity—v.erc novel, colourful, and dazzling in their smartness. Of the. settings, the last, for the triple v-eddins. vith ncv liehting effects, .-•food out as the most striking of a stirring <pries. The tnusie of the ploy is enchantin;, and the outstanding numbers were the "River Song." "Rio Kita," and "If You're in Love 'You'll "Waltz" Headed by Mr PVarce, f nf , rualr. choru: of Rangers provided another number that, raided the boose to ttronsc enthusiasm