"THE VAGABOND KING."

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 51, 4 March 1929, Page 5

"THE VAGABOND KING."

Ono of tho most important theatrical attractions announced by tho J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management during recent years is the musical play ■ "Tlio Vagabond King," which is to bo staged for the first time in Wellington at tlio Grand Opera Houso on Tuesday, 12th March, and for a short season. As a poet tlio name of Francois Villon (the Vagabond King) has long been inscribed on tho scroll of fame. As a man he is remembered only by the utter rascality of his career of vagabondage and crime. The utter recklessness of his youth and tho obscurity of his after life havo offered an irresistible temptation to tho romanticist; and Justin M'Carthy's drama, "If I Were King, of which the "Vagabond King" is a lively and exciting version, was the result. The music of "The Vagabond King" is by Rudolph Fnml, composer of "Rose Marie," and the lyrics are by Brian Hooker. Evidently tlio J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management has spared no expense in an effort to mako "Tho Vagabond King" the greatest musical play yet staged under its banner. Wellington has already enjoyed Mr. James Llddy in "Tho Student Prince,, but it is said that this artist is seen and heard to even greater advantage ■as Francois Villon (The Vagabond King). Miss Strclla Wilson, (lie popular soprano, lias an excellent singing part In Katherlne, and Mr. Arthur Stigant and Mr. Cecil Kelleway have both excellent comedy roles. Tlio cast also includes Arthur Orccnway, Lou Vernou,.Arthur Mayes, Jlnsselt .Scott, George Conyngham, and Oscar Lansbury. There aro over 00 choristers and a full operatic orchestra. The box plans will- bo opened at tlio Bristol on Friday. '