THE THEATRE

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 78, 2 April 1935, Page 4

THE THEATRE

FORTHCOMING SHOWS SUCCESS OF REVIVALS GILBERT AND SULLIVAN Forthcoming stage presentations under the Williamson banner mentioned by Mr. J. Tait, a director of -Messrs. J. C. Williamson, Ltd., in an interview shortly after his arrival with Mrs. Tait by the Monowai from Sydney yesterday afternoon, suggested that things were definitely looking up again in the legitimate theatre. But according to Mr. Tait the improvement is not as great as all that. Things, he said, were certainly a little better, but they were still pretty hard. The "Firm," however, judging from what Mr. Tait had to say about the shows that are scheduled, is not marking time. It is three years ago this month since Mr. Tait was last in New Zealand. He intends to spend two or three weeks in the Dominion, inspecting the firm's theatres and seeing over the Williamson Picture Corporation's picture circuit. GILBERT AND SULLIVAN. Talking of events theatrical, Mr. Tait said that one forthcoming attraction would be a new Gilbert and Sullivan Company, which would be opening in Australia about the end of May. There would be several new people in the company; for instance, George Stirling, from .London, who would be the principal tenor, and Mr. Watkins, who would have the parts played by the late Jack Ralston. Ivan Menzies would be with the company again, and also Miss Gardiner. Miss Winifred Lawson would be the principal soprano. She was from the DOyly Carte Gilbert and Sullivan Company. Another soprano, and one who was showing great promise, would be Miss Potter. The mezzo-soprano had not been finally decided upon when he left, for New Zealand. It was going, to be quite an attractive company, but it would be about Christmas time before it came to New Zealand. The company would play in Melbourne and Sydney before coming over to the Dominion. All the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire would be presented, and in view of the King's Jubilee celebrations it! was possible that "Merrie England" might also be included. It was impossible to say at present whether the company would open its New Zealand season in Auckland or in Wellington A very important engagement was that of Oskar Denes, the celebrated Continental comedian, who would be making his first,' Australian appear ance in Melbourne in "Victoria and Her Huzzar." He was the highest-paid artist engaged by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., since times became difficult. In the musical comedy line there would be "Yes, Madam," for which a new comedian, Freddy Foss, had been engaged. This production was a big success in London at the present time. The "Firm" had also acquired the play "Gill Darling," which would be produced in due course. At present they had a comedy company appearing in Melbourne in "Laburnum Grove," "Sweet Aloes," and several other plays. It was possible that later this company might be brought over to New Zealand. ~ CONCERT ATTRACTIONS. On the musical side, continued Mr. Tait, there were two important concert attractions.. The first was Yehudi Menuhin, the- violinist, whom he described as the biggest sensation in the musical world today. Menuhin would be giving two concerts at Auckland, two at Wellington, and two at Christchurch. The second, and rather novel attraction, would be the Viennese Boys' Choir,, comprising about 20 boys from Vienna, who gave "straight" concert numbers and also numbers in costume. The choir, said Mr. Tait, had been in existence for a very long time.. It had been Government subsidised until the revolution, but now it was carried on by monks, he thought. It was a choir of which Schubert was a member when he was a boy, so it had many historical associations. Mr. Tait mentioned that "The White Horse Inn" had been a big attraction in Australia. It had run for about six months in Melbourne and Sydney. The "Firm," however, did not feel justified in sending this big and costly show to New Zealand while conditions were still so strenuous. SUCCESSFUL REVIVALS. One of Williamson's most pleasing successes had been the Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard Company, which was appearing in Sydney in "Roberta." It had also done a revival of "High Jinks," which had been an astonishing success in Melbourne. It had not been put on in Sydney yet. In view of the success achieved, Williamson's were contemplating doing one or two othef revivals later on, such as "Orchid and "The Girl in the Taxi." The public seemed to want some of the older shows. There were difficulties m the way of bringing big companies to New Zealand, said Mr. Tait. It was not possible to get the same run out of them, but lie was hopeful that conditions would improve. — __