GLADYS MONCBIEFF SEASON.

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1937, Page 14

GLADYS MONCBIEFF SEASON.

The provincial tour of J. C. Williamson Ltd/s Comic Opera Company, which is headed by the famous and incomparable soprano Miss Gladys Moncrieff is proving even more successful San 'those enjoyed by "White Horse Inn" or the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet. At Hamilton and New Plymouth the theatres in those towns were sold out a few hours after the plans were opened, and record booking also has happened in the other centres. On Saturday, June 26, Miss Moncnefl and the company will begin a season at the Grand Opera House, Wellington, in "The Merry Widow," in which, in the role of Sonia, Miss Moncneff has achieved some of her outstanding triumphs. The following was written of the recent opening performance- of "The Merry Widow" in Auckland:— "Aucklanders broke one of their chief rules at His Majesty's Theatre last night, when a full house welcomed the Williamson company's opening of its opera season here with a revival of 'The Merry Widow.' They were demonstrative. An ovation greeted the advent at the footlights of the title character, to be repeated tenfold at the final fall of the curtain, with the addition of many floral tributes. And by these presents knew all men that.AucKland playgoers were undeniably glad to have with them again Gladys Moncrieff, the Australian songbird so beloved of New Zealanders perhaps because her melodic charm has the elusive but fascinating quality of our own grey warbler." Only a limited number of performances can be staged in Wellington of "The Merry Widow,' and it will be followed by."The Maid of the Mountains" and "A Southern Maid." The box plans for "The Merry Widow" will be opened at the D.I.C. on Wednesday morning next. Details of the country tour are advertised in this issue.