"A SOUTHERN MAID"

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 30, 5 February 1925, Page 9

"A SOUTHERN MAID"

Of the J. C. Williamson attraction now staging at the Grand Opera House, ' A Southern Maid," it may certainly be said, "Here is a good show, a very good show. ' Not alone in its music, its bright humour, and quite happy story (centring always,- of course, round the Southern maid), but in the brilliant dressing, staging and general presentation. Miss Gladys Moncrieff makes the most of the attractive part -oi the maid and her song numbers are all enjoyable. "A Southern Maid" will be finally presented this evening. Only four nights can be allocated to the run of "The Merry Widow," which is to be staged to-morrow night, but there will also be an afternoon performance on Saturday, beginning at 2 o'clock. For the revival ol "The Merry TCidow" new costumes \jpre created, fresh scenery painted and ffie cast is said to be even better than When Franz Lehar's renowned comic opera first created such an impression in iSew Zealand. "The Merry' Widow" owes its phenomenal success to its beautiful melodies, to its famous waltz, to the cleverness and originality of its dialogue, to the romanlic love story it unfolds, and, to its picturesque settings and gorgeous costuming. As Sonia, Miss bladys Moncrieff, it is said, has eclipsed all her previous successes. Playgoers will be glad to again welcome that clever, comedian. Mr. Leslie Holland, who will take the role of Prince .Danilo. His dancing is a feature of the revival. Both Arthur Stigant and Blake Adams, as Bavon Popoff and Nisch, receive muchgreater opportunities in "The Merry Widow" than in the opening opera. The dancers are Mr. Tom Moore arid Miss Hazel Meldrum. On Wednesday next and four following nights the com-' pany will stage for the first time in Wellington the latest musical comedy success, "Sybil," v and the season will close with three performances of "The Maid of the Mountains."