WILLIAMSON'S OPERA COMPANY

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21084, 8 February 1934, Page 3

WILLIAMSON'S OPERA COMPANY

"THE MERRY WIDOW"

This morning the box plans will be opened at 9 o'clock at the Bristol Piano Company for the live evening performances and the two matinees of "The Merry Widow," to be staged by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., New Comic Opera Company at the Theatre Royal on Saturday afternoon and evening next, and four following nights, and on Wednesday afternoon, February 14, and for the two evening representations and the matinee of "The Arcadians," to be revived on Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday afternoon, February 16 and 17. During the season will also be staged "Wildflower (February 19 and 20), "Florodora" (February 21, 22, 23, and 24, four nights and two matinees), and "A Country Girl" (February 26, 27, and 28, three nights and Wednesday matinee). The J. C. Williamson, Ltd., New Comic Opera Company comprises more than 70 artists, all of whom were specially selected for the present tour. "The Merry Widow" is easily the best of the modern Continental light operas. Its strong love interest, haunting music, which at times attains grand opera standard, and delightful comedy make it a great favourite with the public and its revival is always hailed with pleasure. Franz Lehar is a master in his chosen form, and his music will still be popular when most present-day melodies are entirely forgotten. Miss Romola Hansen's very artistic characterisation of the role of Sonia ("The Merry Widow") has materially assisted to make the revival of Lehar's opera outstandingly successful. Being a really musical production, "The Merry Widow" contains many good items, notably "Villia," in which Miss Hansen's highly cultured soprano voice is heard to distinct advantage. Sharing the honours with Miss Hansen is Mr Eric Bush, who has made the part of Prince Danilo peculiarly his own. Mr Bush possesses a good baritone voice, and is a brilliant dancer and a finished actor. In a good singing part Herbert Browne is always welcomed by playgoers throughout New Zealand, and he has sudh a role in de Jolidon, in which his glorious tenor voice has been heard here in a previous production of "The Merry Widow." Mr Phil Smith is undoubtedly one of the cleverest and one of the most genuinely humorous comedians who has ever appeared with a Williamson company, and the part of Pop off gives him unlimited opportunities to create laughter. Don Nicol, as the obsequious Nisch is an able ally to Phil Smith. Miss Lois Green, a talented young Australian soubrette, will make her first appearance here as Frou Frou, and Miss Stella Collier, who possesses a soprano voice of exceptional range, has a good singing part in Natalie. Other artists who will appear in "The Merry Widow" are Oliver Peacock, Charles Albert, Doris Hopkins, Dora Lighttoot, and Leah Miller. A big feature of the last act of "The Merry Widow" is the sensational acrobatic

dance done by Eric Bush and Mona Zeppel. The full operatic chorus and orchestra are under the direction of Mr Harry Burton.