AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20622, 11 August 1932, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. GRAND GALA OPENING. "BLUE BOSKS" TO-NIGHT. To-night, at 8 o'clock, at the Theatre Royal, J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will present the brilliant and talented musical comedy artists, Cyril JJitcnard and Madge Klliolt, who, together with an outstanding company o£ singere, dancers, and comedians, will present for the first time in Christchurch the London musical comedy triumph, "Blue Hoses," which has just completed the most successful tour of Australia since "Kose Marie." On and off the stag© both Madge Elliott and Cyril Bitchard have always been firm favourites with New Zealauders, and it is therefore not surprising to learn that the booking is comparable witji that recorded for outstanding attractions when things were booming in New Zealand. Cecil Kellaway and Leo Kranklin have been entrusted with parts in "Blue Roses" that give both these brilliant comedians every opportunity to display their talent. Frank Leighton, who was the juvenile lead of "Sons o' Guns," and who created a furore - recently in Melbourne by his masterly acting of the part of Prince l>anilo in "The Merry Widow," has an excellent character to portray, and so has Miss Dulcie Davenport, who is undoubtedly one of the best comediennes Australia has produced, Others in the cast include Elved Jay, Jean Duncan, Mary Rigby, Marjorie Maxwell, Arthur Cornell, and other popular artists. A feature of the production is the brilliant work of the ballet, which was specially trained by Cyril Hitchard. The chorus and orchestra are under the direction of William Quintrell, and Mr H. 0. Nightingale is the stage director. The production was staged under the supervision of Mr Frederick Blackman. Only a limited number of performances, including matinees on Saturday and Wednesday afternoons, can be staged of "Blue Roses," and during the season will also be presented "Follow Through," a musical comedy about golf, in -which the pro. sent company achieved an outstanding success in Australia recently. The box plans are at The Bristol till five; afterwards seats can be reserved at the Theatre Royal box office. The day sales are at the Theatre Royal sweets shop.