"KATINEA"

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 103, 3 May 1919, Page 9

"KATINKA"

A WELCOME REVIVAL.

Wellington has a special interest in "Katinka," for it is this city's theatrical baby. It was born here about a year ago, and presented by the proud fosterfather (otherwise the . producer), Mr. George A. Highland, in all its bright new christening robes. The Williamson stage children do not usually see the light first in New Zealand; that is reserved for the bigger, cities of Australia, the home of " the firm." But this child was born while the company was on tour. Now, this matter of Being born is not a simple on&—producing is the proper term for it. First, there must be —to drop the metaphor for the time — the producer, whose business is delicate and complicated. All that the public knows of the producer in most cases is the line on the programme, "produced by George A. Highland." Actually, the producer is the man who fits together all the materials placed in his hands. He has the "book" and the "score," the dances, the scenery, the dresses, and, of course, the players. These do not go together of their own accord; someone must direct them, and in comic opera this directing business is most important. When it is well done the public does not notice; but if it were ill-done many things would be missed —the opera would possibly drag, the many stage pictures would be incomplete, there would be an absence of those effective groupings which make the difference. Anyway, "Katinka" was produced in AVelliugton, and pronounced a success—so far. It had yet to be proved on, tour, and there were many debates among interested parties whether it would maintain tha.t success. Those who stood sponsor for it have been justified, for in the language of the box office it has had an excellent " ran." The " baby " has come back, but it is no longer a baby. It is very many nights old, and its charms' have diminished in no way. Rather they have been enhanced. There are new dresses, new fun, and the cast is slightly changed—and for the better.

It is not needful now to describe the play, or even to praise it. Last night's audience at the : Opera House will do all the praising—the clever little comic opera plot, the brilliant settings, the tuneful and alluring music, the fun, and the dancing. Miss Gladys Moncrieff, as Katinka, sang as sweetly as ever, and appeared a very charming bride. The audience insisted on a double recall for "Rackety Coo," a song which has certainly established itself, in public favour. Mies Florence Young's vivacity, her .smile, a.nd her songs were doubly welcome. That a piay in which Miss Young takes a big part is always popular is proof enough of. her reputation. The part of Olga was taken, by Miss Olive Godwin, and the audience was pleased with the change, especially on hearing her balcony song "Allah's Holiday." Of Mr. Phil Smith what car. be said that has not already been,stated? He is the'life and soul. of the play; his comicalities never tire, and even if his voice were not heard he could make good comedy in dumb-show—as incised he. does/ A considerable improvement in the cast is the inclusion of Mr. Leslie Holland as Knopf. With Mr Phil Smith he made much merriment, and the two had at least three recalls for their eccentric dance following the song "Skidikiscatch." Other players kept the standard set by the principals; and that is saying much. It remains only to mention that the dances —including Russian and Circassian figures—introduced Miss Maie Baird, Miss Wyonne Haybittle, Mr. Frank' Whyte, and Mr. Robert Mackinnon, whose performances could hardly be bettered.

" Katinka" will be played for three more nights.