Roll-on Ship May Boost Theatre

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31864, 17 December 1968, Page 18

Roll-on Ship May Boost Theatre

The roll-on ship Maheno, due to enter the Tasman trade next month, might have a beneficial effect on the New Zealand theatre, according to Mr N. Blackburn, secretary of J. C. Williamson Theatres, Ltd. Although there seemed at first glance to be little con-

nection between shipping and the theatre, Williamson’s hoped to bring more shows to New Zealand once the rollon service was started. The show “Fiddler on the Roof” would be the company’s main production in New Zealand next year, he said. This show would attract particular attention because the leading lady was a New Zealander Brigid Lenihan, formerly of Christchurch. “It will complete its twoyear run in Australia in January,” Mr Blackbum said. "By the end of its season the show will have grossed S2m. “The cast will have a rest before starting their New Zealand tour in Auckland in March.” The New Christy Minstrels, the Little Singers of Tokyo, the Jacques Loussier Trio, and a Broadway musical, “I Do, I Do,” were other attractions scheduled for next year. The latter was unusual in that it had a cast of only two, supported by an orchestra, Mr Blackburn said.