‘THE BELLE OF NEW YORK'

Evening Star, Issue 21253, 7 November 1932, Page 11

‘THE BELLE OF NEW YORK'

PREMIERE TO-NIGHT When the curtain rises this evening on the opening performance of the Dunedin Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production of ‘ The Dalle of New York,’ the society will have passed the most important milestone in its history. Its previous productions have undoubtedly been most successful, but this should be the society’s biggest and best efforts to date. A very talented company, the Dunedin Operatic and Dramatic Society has been practising assiduously for months, and has done everything possible to provide its patrons with a bright entertainment. particularly strong cast of principals lias been seiuicu. aii of whom may be depended upon to give good accounts of themselves. Mr Stun Lawson as the Polite Lunatic, has a role in which ho should excel, as in this part lies most of the fun for .which 1 The Bello ’ is so well-known, and Air Lawson is certainly a most versatile comedian. Air Beg. Taploy, as Ichabod Bronson, should also bo a great favourite as the gay reformer, and as the real type of “ sugar daddy”; Jimmy M'Farlane should be at his best as Harry Bronson, the young Don Juan, and liis solos and bis duct with Fit! (Isa Dull), promise to bo very popular. Arthur Lungley’s popular baritone should be hoard to advantage in the theme song, 1 The Belle of Now York,’ and his acting as a Bowery tough ought to be most amusing. In this, be is assisted by his girl friend, Mamie Clancy (Doreen Doro). The self-important “ Doc ” Snifl'kins is sure to be played effectively by Ernest Griffin, and Alex. AFDowcll should do well as Kenneth Alngg. Aliss Lettic De Clifford leads the ladies as Violet Gray —“ The Belle of New York ” —and is expected to enhance her already very high reputation, both with her acting and with her singing. Corn Angoliquo is also a part that calls for considerable ability for effective portrayal, but Miss Gwenda Burt should have no difficulty either in this direction or with her singing. Isa Duff is expected to bo an adorable Fill, and should earn rounds of applause at every appearance. Alary Jolly is cast as Kissic Fitzgarter—a gold-digging cabaret dancer, her dance and her vamping methods promising to lie very amusing. Dorothy Sligo and the other bridesmaids —Boma Lorimer, Thelma Knight, Shona Drumm, Fvc Watson, Alary Campbell, Amy Dyer, and Winnie Frapwcll—are said to wear some very charming frocks, as, indeed, do all the ladies’ chorus. The ensemble promises to be a revelation and a distinct credit to Mr Stan Lawson, who has arranged them, while something special is expected from the chorus singing, into which the musical director (Air T. J. Kirk-Burnnand) lias put so much time. The spectacular and charming ballots which have been features in previous productions, arc said to bo better than over before, thanks to Miss Bosotta Powell. The box plan arrangements are at The Bristol, and day sales arc available at the Bialto.