OPENING TO-MORROW

Evening Star, Issue 22133, 13 September 1935, Page 7

OPENING TO-MORROW

•THE GEISHA' AT HIS MAJESTY’S Commencing at His Majesty’s Theatre, tho Dunedin Operatic and Dramatic Society’s presentation of ‘ The Geisha ’ will open with a matinee. This production, which is in the capable hands of Major F, H. Dampen, promises to be an exceptional effort, as a particularly strong cast has been selected, featuring Miss Freda Flmes as O Mimosa San, tho chief Geisha, Miss Pennie Marshall as Mollie Seamore, the English madcap, Irenco O’Sullivan as Lady Constance Wynne, tho aristocratic English visitor who is visiting Japan in her yacht, and Miss Anita Winkel as Juliette, tho French interpreter at the Chinese tea house. The juvenile lead is in the hands of Mr Harold Bain as the English navel officer who is in love with Mimosa San. Mr Reynolds Herbert, cast as the Marquis Imari, provides a good deal of comedy work in this character part. The chief comedy in tho play is allotted to Mr Bornie Hammonds. Mr Hammonds! knows how; and when to

provoke laughter, and his funny antics will keep the laughter sustained throughout the pipy. Others who assist in ihinor parts are Nora Shannon (Midshipman), Mollio Francis (Nami), the Misses Nolle Wootton, Joyce

Hamer, Nora Ushenrood as English ladies, and Pat Jones, Barbara Ross, Mavis Jack, and Alary Campbell as Geisha girls, Arthur Langley, Fred. Olsen, and Ron. Philip ae naval oili-

cers, Allan Higliet as Captain Katana, and Norman Lindsay as Takemine, The ‘ Geisha ’ abounds in pretty music. ‘ The Amorous Goldfish,’ ‘ The Jewel of Asia,’ and a ‘ Geisha’s Life’ give plenty of scope to Miss Elmes’s delightful soprano- voice, and she will be heard to advantage with Mr Bain in the ‘ Kissing Duet.’ Mr Bain, who has an excellent baritone voice, will also be heard in ‘ Jack’s the Boy ’ and ‘ Star of My Soul.’ Miss Pennie Marshall, that vivacious comediomie, will win approbation with her ‘ Chon Kina ’ and ‘ Toy Monkey ’ numbers. Miss Anita Winkel has the old favourite ‘ Ching-a-ring-a-ree,’ and Mr Bernio Hammonds will be sure to score with the famous ‘ Chin Chin Chinaman.’ In addition to the strong cast, there is a full operatic orchestra and chorus of 80 voices under the direction of Mr James Clark. The ballets, which arc entirely novel and all in keeping with the story of the play, are being trained and supolicd by the Stan. Lawson School at Dancing. The staging and scenery, which is one of the features of the ‘ Geisha,’ is in charge of Mr Angus Gorrie as stage manager, and Mr Vincent Stapp, ns stage technician, will bo responsible for the lighting effects. The ‘ Geisha ’ season is for one week, witli a matinee each Saturday, commencing to-morrow afternoon at 2 o’clock. The box .plans for the season are situated at the D.1.C., and day sales are located at the Rialto.