"THE VAGABOND KING."

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 53, 6 March 1929, Page 5

"THE VAGABOND KING."

Charles Friml, tho composer of "The Vagabond King," the spectacular musical play, to be staged by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd.,-man-agement on Tuesday next at tho Orand Opera House for a season of nino nights and oho matinee, was born in Prague, and. his first compositions-were brought out in Dresden. At 17 lie went to America as accompanist to Kubelik, tho violinist, and ho played for him for five years. After that ho settled down in America, and devoted himselr to composition. His musical plays and operettas arc, in this order, "Tho Firefly," "Tho Ballet Girl," "Katinka," "The Peasant Girl," "Kitty Darlin'," and "Rose Marie," but it is said that he has obtained his best results in "Tho Vagabond King,"-for which he has written some oxqulsato music. The principal musical numbers are, of - course, allotted to the part of Francois Villon (Tho Vagabond King), which will be played and sung by James Llddy, who made himself very popular In "The Sudent Prince," and the role of Kathcrine, which is in the hands of Miss Strclla; Wilson, whose singing was a feature of the Gilbert and. Sullivan operas when they were last staged In New Zealand. Playgoers will welcome those excellent comedians, Messrs. Arthur Stigant and Cecil Keimway. There are over 100 people concerned, in tho representation of "Tho Vagabond King," including a.grand operatic orchestra, and chorus. The box plans will bo opened at The Bristol on Friday morning next.