STAGE FOLK

Evening Star, Issue 22004, 13 April 1935, Page 8

STAGE FOLK

Mr E. J. Tait, at present in New Zealand, gives some particulars of coming shows. One of the forthcoming theatrical attractions, which would bo visiting New Zealand toward the end of the year, would be tbo new Gilbert and Sullivan light opera company, opening in Melbourne about May, said Mr Tait, Mr George Stirling bad been engaged to fill the rolo of principal tenor, and Mr Watkins would take tho parts previously played by Mr Jack Ralston; both these new recruits coming from London. Mr Ivan Menzies, Miss Gardiner, Miss Winifred Lawson, an English soprano from the D’Oyley Carte Opera Company, and Miss Potter, iinothcr promising soprano, are also included in the company. Mr Tait said that a very important engagement was that of the Continental comedian, Mr Oscar Denes, now playing in * Viktoria and Her Huzzar ’ at Melbourne, lie was the best paid artist engaged in, Australasia since the depression. Another clever musical comedy actor was Mr Freddy Foss, shortly to be seen in ‘ Yes, Madam.’ The celebrated violinist Menuhin had also been engaged and would be giving a series of concerts in New Zealand. Another musical attraction would be the Viennese Boys’ Choir, of about twenty voices—. the choir of which Schubert was once a member. It was possible that a number of plays now running in Australia, including several revivals, would also be staged in New Zealand.

As a result of personal negotiations conducted by the Dunedin Operatic Society’s secretary (Mr E. S. Wilson) on the occasion of his recent visit to Australia the society has been granted the reserved performing rights of the joyous musical comedy success ‘ The Girl in the Taxi.’ For years the society, has endeavoured to secure this famous comedy but the lessee eventually removed it from the list of plays available to amateur societies when professional revivals were commenced throughout England last year. The first night of ‘ Nice Goings On ’ at the King’s Theatre, Melbourne, proved a veritable triumph for Gus Bluett and his merry band of funmakers. As Mr Olaf Henscnttle, a very much neglected Civil servant, whoso valuable services his superiors quite fail to appreciate, Mr Bluett had a part that suited him to perfec-

tiou. His financee’s taunts force him to action, so in company with his friend, Mr Wurlitzer, lie betakes himself to a Scandinavian pleasure resort, and proceeds to gather evidence that will force his superiors to recognise his talents and accord him the muchdesired advancement. And the evidence he gathers, all of which is photographically recorded. At the famous “Pink Spider” there are incidents galore to keep Olaf busy and the audience bubbling over with laughter. Everybody on the sands seems to be in a whirlpool of frivolity and happiness, and each of the bathing cabinets has occupants, while Olaf snaps them amid their picturesque surroundings and in circumstances utterly opposed to the decorum attached to their official positions. The season of Sir Benjamin Fuller’s Grand Opera Company, presented by J. C. Williamson Ltd. at. His Majesty’s

Theatre. Melbourne, is nearing the end. Melbourne audiences have enjoyed these performances tremendously, and crowded houses have expressed their appreciation of the artists and the productions. The effect of the various presentations has been enhanced considerably by the new and up-to-date facilities at Australia’s newest and finest legitimate theatre, including the wonderful lighting systemWhen J. C. Williamson Ltd. present ‘ Viktoria and Her Hussar ’ in Melbourne shortly this Continental musical play will be staged under the most auspicious conditions. The new His Majesty’s Theatre will enable the production to be given to the very best advantage, with all the newest stage and other up-to-date facilities, including the wonderful lighting system. Another factor of unusual 1 importance is that the new production will mark the return and farewell of Sylvia Welling, but also the first appearance in Australia of the famous Continental comedian and star Oskar Denes, who will play the role created bv him in the original production in Vienna, and also in the London production. J. C. Williamson Ltd. have been endeavouring to secure this notable artist for some considerable time, and their success marks an achievement in theatrical enterprise.

Madame Muriel Brunskill. the gor-geous-voiced contralto of the British National Opera Company, has signed a contract for a, comprehensive concert tour of Australia and New Zealand. Madame Brunskill scored thrilling successes as Delilah (‘ Samson and Delilah’), Fricke (‘The Valkyrie’), Azucena (‘ II Trovatore ’), Ortrud (‘ Lo-

hengrin’), Braugaene (‘Tristan jaml Isolde ’), and Amneris (‘ Aida ’) in tha recent opera seasons in Sydney and Melbourne, but abroad she is even more famous as a concert singer and lieder artist than as an operatic star. Madame Brunskill’s tour will be under the direction of the new concert firm, International Celebrity Artists, and the manager will be Miss Madeleine Clarke. The tour will open at Brisbane on April 30. M. Paderewski, the famous pianist and one-time Prime Minister of Poland, intends, at the ago of seventy-five, to undertake yet another tour of the capitals of Europe, and the chief cities of the United States. One afternoon last month he visited Geneva for the first time in two years, although his Swiss country house is at Merges, on the lake, about thirty miles away. When ho was seen by a journalist he said: “ I have been suffering from a slight affliction of my right arm, but all is well now. I feel as young as ever.” M. Paderewski’s appearance does not belie his statement. Although his flowing hair is now white, ho still preserves his. energy, and he has the bearing of a man half his age. “ I have never seen this building ” (a building of steel and glass erected by the city of Geneva for the holding of the Disarmament Con. ference), “ hut it seems to me admirably adapted for gymnastics—l mean intellectual, gymnastics. But that is by the way. I am now divorced from politics. I want to go on my travels again. I have plans to play once more in Great Britain, France, and other, countries in Europe, and in America.” Merton Hodge’s successful comedy, ‘The Wind-and the Rain,’ was. transferred last month to the Queen’s Theatre from the St; Martin’s (London) , where it has been played for over 570 performances. The cast, with one or two minor exceptions, remains the same. It includes Celia Johnson, Mackenzie "Ward (whoso humour lias contributed a good deal to the success), [van Brandt, Robert Harris, George De Warfaz, and Margaret Moffat. Already the J. C. Williamson Ltd, ' management has received many inquiries from all parts of Australia as to the opening of the firm’s new Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company., .the principals of which have been engaged in London in co-operation with Mr R. D’Oyley Carte. According to present arrangements, the gala opening will take place in Melbourne at about the end of May. The principals will include Ivan Mcnzies, chief comedian; Winifred Lawson, soprano; Evelyn Gardner, contralto; Geoffrey Sterling,, “tenor; Gregory Stroud, baritone ; and Richard Wat<

son, basso.. All. of these artists hav« left London and will disembark at Melbourne. The repertoire will include several operas which have not beea staged in Australia in recent years.