"THE MERRY WIDOW"

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22135, 3 July 1937, Page 23

"THE MERRY WIDOW"

COMIC OPERA SEASON

GLADYS MONCRIEFF TO RETURN

That Miss Gladys Moncrieff, who is to make her, reappearance at the Theatre Royal on Monday. July 12, with J. C. Williamson, Ltd.'s, Comic Opera Company in, "The Merry Widow." is just as popular in New Zealand as she is in Australia was proved beyond all doubt by the reception which greeted her when she made her recent reappearance in Auckland. Greeted with cheers from all parts of the theatre when she first appeared on the stage 4n the role of Sonia. she was recalled in numerous encores for all her principal numbers, and at the close of the performance, the audience stood up and cheered. In selecting "The Merry Widow" as the opening production for the coming season the management was guided in its decision by its knowledge that, in the role of Sonia, Miss Moncrieff has scored some of her greatest triumphs. The part calls for artistry of a very high order, and from a singing point of view Franz Lchar's music gives the famous soprano's incompapable voice every opportunity to distinguish itself. Her singing of "Villia" invariably rouses enthusiasm, and frequently no (ess than three and four encores are demanded.

Cecil » Kellaway. the principal comedian of the company, is a firm favourite with New Zealand playgoers, and general regret will be caused by the announcement that this will be his final appearance in the Dominion, as at the end of the tour he will proceed to Hollywood to fulfil a contract with one of the largest American picture corporations. Don Nicol is a genuine humorist, as he proved in "White Horse Inn," and in other musical plays. He will make a welcome reappearance in the role of Nisch in "The Merry Widow." Eric Bush, a brilliant young baritone, who recently returned from England, is well known in his role as Prince Danilo, and other popular artists in the company are Arthur Clarke (tenor). Carmen Mascagni (soprano), Isobel Cue (comedienne), Cecil Pawley, Gerald Connolly, Peter Dawson, Leslie Crane, lan Devereaux, 'Geoff Colledge. Leslie Donaghey, and others.

"The Merry Widow" will be performed for four nights and will be followed by five presentations of "Maid of the Mountains."

The work of the full operatic chorus and orchestra is a feature of the production. The box plans will be opened at the D.I.C. on Wednesday morning next at 9 o'clock. A queue will be formed from 8 am.

COMMUNITY SINGING

Community singing of a type new to Christchurch, but which lias been acclaimed in America, where it proved successful some time ago, will start at the Civic Theatre after church to-mor-row evening. In the meanwhile sacred song services will be continued fortnightly. In addition to the community singing, there will be combined choir pieces, quartets, organ selections and solos, covering a wide range of sacred music—anthems, gospel hymns, "deep harmony" selections. Welsh hymn tunes, negro spirituals, and sacred songs. The story of the composition of well-known hymns will be told where the history is available. The doors will be opened at a time suitable for 6'hurch members.