‘ROBERTA’

Evening Star, Issue 22192, 21 November 1935, Page 20

‘ROBERTA’

J. C. WILUAMSOH SEASON Tlie box plans will bo opened tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock at the D. 1.0. for the only production here of the musical comedy, ‘ Roberta,’ which will be staged by the J. C. Williamson Ltd. Musical Comedy Company, which is headed by the newly-wedded couple, Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard, at His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday next and the three following nights, and on Friday afternoon (November 29). It is some - considerable time since Dunedin was last visited by a J. C. Williamson Ltd. musical comedy attraction, and it is therefore not surprising to know that a tremendous amount of interest is being taken in the reappearance here of Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard, an interest that has been intensified by the fact that it will be their first appearance here since their recent marriage, a marriage that was one of the most spectacular ever known in Sydney. ‘ Roberta ’ has proved the most successful musical play staged by J. C. Williamson Ltd. for many years, and, in it, all the principals of the present company have scored outstanding triumphs. It is full of delightful melodics, it unfolds a charming love story, the comedians have abundant opportunities to create genuine humour, and an outstanding feature is the mannikin parade, which has beep described as the finest spectacle which has ever been witnessed on the Australian or New Zealand stage. Miss Madge Elliott in the role of Stephanie has a part that, it is said, fits her like the proverbial glove, and she dances even more gracefully than ever before. Cyril Ritchard, who produced the original Australian production of ‘ Roberta,’ has scored his great triumph in the character of Huckleberry Haines, a critic in Melbourne stating that the part might have been specially created for this brilliant artist, so happy is ho in it. Playgoers will be delighted to enjoy again the drollery of the naturally amusing comedian, Leo Franklin, who is splendidly assisted in the comedy scenes by the London comedienne. Miss Marie ie Varre, and Field Fisher, Frank • Leighton, the young romantic light comedy actor, who last appeared here in ‘Blue Roses,’ has. a. congenial role to enact as John Kent, and the important part of Sophie Teale will he taken by Miss Diane du Cane, a not- , able young London musical comedy actress, who was recently engaged iti England by the J. C. Williamson Ltd. director there. Evidently the management was fortunate in inducing Miss

Ethel Morrison to leave New York, . where she yas appearing in a successful play, to return to Australia and New Zealand to portray the important part of Aunt Minnie (Mine Roberta), as she had achieved an outstanding success in this character. The company also includes Vera Wallace, Charles Zoli, Arthur CJarke (baritone), Mary Rigby, John Dobbie, Miss Leslie Crane, the young Aucklander, Jean Slapoffski, and other artists. There are no fewer than nine scenes in ‘ Roberta,’ and it takes an army of mechanics and electricians to work them. The beautiful ballets are features of the production. _ The company includes a full operatic orchestra and chorus. Only four nights can be devoted to ‘ Roberta,’ and on Friday afternoon,, November 29 ,_ a special matinee will be staged. During a brief season ‘ Our Miss Gibbs ’ and ‘ High Jinks ’ will also be performed. Progress results ofthe election will be given from the stage on Wednesday night next.