"THE VAGABOND KING."

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 56, 9 March 1929, Page 7

"THE VAGABOND KING."

"The Vagabond King," the musical play, to bo presented (at the Grand Opera: House on Tuesday next for a season of nine nights and one' matinee. Is aald to be a gorgeous production. Those who remember Cuyler .Hastings many years ago will recall that; ho played a drama centred about Francois Villon—a sort of Haroun Alraschid Incident; in which the < beggar becomes for 24 hours the king. : It was called "If I Were Klng,"-andit is this-fine play by Justin M'Carthy which forms - tho' ground work of "The Vagabond King." The play is full of dramatic situations and romantic intorludes, but tho comedians also have some excellent material for fun making.. The music is by Rudolph Priml,. composer of "Tho Firefly,'' "Katinfca," and Hose'Mario." Tho Williamson management was evidently fortunate in being able to procure Mr. James: Liddy for.the role of Francois Villon, and-Miss Strella Wilson for the part of Katherine, as they are both fine singers. Jlr.' Liddy gave. a taste of his abilities, both as a singer and an actor, in. "The Student Prince," and Jllss Wilson's singling was a feature of .the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. The comedians; Messrs; Arthur Stigant and Cecil Kellaway, are extremely popular with local playgoers. ' . It Is, said that It cost ovor £20,000 to produce the original: Sydney production of : "The Vagabond .King,'"'which will not be staged.ln Melbourne until the termination of its brief. tour of this Dominion. There are over 100 people concerned In the production, including an operatic chorus and orchestra. The box plans for the season are now open at the Bristol. ■ ■•'• ;