‘THE MERRY WIDOW’

Evening Star, Issue 21662, 6 March 1934, Page 1

‘THE MERRY WIDOW’

G&MiG OPERA COMPANY'S PRESENTATION The charming and- melodious opera, ‘ The Merry Widow,’ was again faithfully produced by the J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company before another packed audience at His Majesty’s Theatre last night. The capable and artistic manner in which all parts were played, the general mounting and the smooth production and the beautiful haunting airs in which the opera abounds, captured the admiration of the audience, the applause being frequent. ‘ The Merry Widow ’ provides only a few performers the opportunity to fully display their histrionic and vocal gifts; the role of Sonia is the most arresting. Miss Romola Hansen dominated the piece. She has previously displayed her attainments of charm and voice here, and her reputation will be enhanced by her work in ‘ The Merry Widow.’ She presents a gaily convincing portrait of the lively and lovely Widow, which must enhance her reputation with lovers of the legitimate stage. Her renderings of the old favourites ‘ Villa ’ and 1 The Cavalier ’ with Mr Eric Bush, as well as ‘ The Merry Widow ’ waltz and the love duet ‘ I Love You So,’ were the outstanding musical successes of the presentation. Mr Bush, in the leading male role of Prince Danilo, acted with considerable skill and polish, and also used an attractive voice to excellent advantage. The principal part of the comedy work of the production fell to the lot of Mr Phil Smith, whose characterisation was marked by a supreme confidence and a good grasp of the comedy requirements of his part. One who made the most of every opportunity for clowning was Mr Don Nicol, who as Mr Smith’s first lieutenant in the realm of comedy, provided some of the most amusing interludes in the production. The elasticity of his facial expressions, aided by a grotesque and lugubrious make up, as well as the remarkable plasticity of his limbs, kept the audience in the highest of good humours. Miss Stella Collier, as the ambassador’s wife, who is hopelessly in love with de Jolidon, played by Mr Herbert Browne, gave a thoroughly competent performance, and these two players combined to provide an effective background for the principal romance of the story. The smaller parts, were most satisfactorily filled. The chorus and ballet were small numerically, but strong in quality, and the orchestra was decidedly helpful. - . . , ‘ The Merry Widow, ’ will he presented again to-night, and to-morrow afternoon* and night. f ‘ THE ARCADIANS.’ ' Oil* Thursday night the company wiji stage for this one night only a .representation of Lionel Monckton’s tuneful and highly humorous musical comedy, ‘ The- Arcadians,’ in which they achieved an outstanding triumph in Auckland and Wellington. When it was first staged here the part-of the lugubrious jockey, Peter Doody, was taken by Mr Tom Walls, who is now a , famous talking picture artist. In ’Thursday evening’s performance this character, will be portrayed by Mr Don Nicol, who has become popular in the role of Nische in ‘ The Merry Widow.’ Miss Romola Hansen will play Sombra, which is regarded as one of her best parts, and Miss Lois Green Will appear as Eileen Cavanagh. Miss Marie La Varre will make her reappearance here in the whimsical role of Mrs Smith, and, of course, the popular Phil Smith will take the character of Simplicitas. Herbert Browne and Eric Bush will portray Jack Meadows and Percy Marsh respectively, and the cast includes Doris Hopkins, Charles Albert, Oliver Peacock, Leah Miller, and the other artists who are so well placed in ‘ The Merry Widow.’ The first act of ‘ The Arcadians ’ gives a fine picture of nymphs and swains, enjoying the delights of forest life, entirely devoid of the trammels of civilisation, and knowing nothing of the racecourse and night club scenes, which are to follow. The second act strikes an admirable contrast with an exceedingly good burlesque of the “ Askwood ” racecourse, and the third a brilliant representation of London night life. On Friday evening and two following nights and Saturday afternoon ‘ Florodora ’ will be staged. On Tuesday and Wednesday nights and Wednesday afternoon next week ‘ Wildflower ’ will he produced, and on Thursday and Friday, March 15 and. 16, ‘A Country Girl ’ will be staged. On Saturday afternoon and evening, March 17, the season will close with two performances of ‘ Katinka.’ The box plans for the season are now open at the D.I.C.