J. C. WILLIAMSON COMPANY

Evening Star, Issue 22193, 22 November 1935, Page 8

J. C. WILLIAMSON COMPANY

MADGE ELLIOTT AND CYRIL RITCHARD IN • ROBERTA' This morning the box plans opened at the D.I.C. for the productions here at His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday next and three following nights and for next Friday’s matinee of the gorgeously mounted musical comedy, Roberta,’ which is to be staged by the J. C. Williamson Ltd. Musical Comedy Company, with Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard in the leading parts. the occasion will signalise the first appearance of these two artists since their recent marriage, and it will he their final visit, because after the present New Zealand tour they will leave for London to fulfil important engagements there. The following was written by a Melbourne critic“ ‘ Roberta,’ the j C Williamson Ltd. Christmas offering at His Majesty’s Theatre, is one of the liveliest. and most completely satisfying musical comedies seen in Melbourne in years. Otto Harharch has provided an unusually good ‘ book the Ivrics are clever and the music by Jerome Kern more than usually catchy. It is safe to predict the new production will enjoy a long run to big business. The story interest is stronger than in most musical plays, and good contrast is provided by the American College setting of the prologue, and the Parisian settings which follow. There are 10 scenes jn all, and the scenic artist has done some particularly attractive work in the modernistic vein. Cyril Ritchard is responsible for the entire production, including the ballets and dances, and the success which he achieves in this direction suggests that the management will wish him to produce other operas for them. 1 Roberta ’ is staged and dressed lavishly, and there is a mannequin parade that will set all Melbourne talking. The first night audience simply gasped at the beauty and daring of the fcocking. The show girls have been carefully chosen with an’ eye to type and nothing more entrancing of its kind has ever been seen here than the complete ensemble of this gorgeous scene.” Whether as a comedian or a dancer, Cyril Ritchard, it is said, has never been seen to greater advantage than in • Roberta,’ and Madge Elliott, as a Russian princess, who manages Roberta’s frock shop, has the best part that has ever come her way. Her dancing, as it always lias been, in every production she has appeared in, is a feature of ‘ Roberta.’ Leo Franklin is his usual slick and lively self as Billy Hoyden, and his eccentric dances created a furore in Auckland recently. Miss Ethel Morrison, who is a native of Wellington, but who has won most of her fame in London and New York, was especially engaged for the role of Aunt Minnie, and it is said she makes a perfect gem of the part. Miss Marie Le Varre is tremendously popular in New Zealand, as she has appeared here on numerous occasions, but never before has she received better opportuni-

ties to exhibit her genius as a comedienne than in ‘ Roberta. The brilliant young London musical comedy sou. brette. Miss Diane Du Cane, will make her first appearance hero in the role ot Sophie Teal, and the brilliant young romantic actor, Frank Leighton, 'wiu make a welcome reappearance in the important part of John Kent. Field Fisher. Jerry Connolly, Charles Zoli, Vera Wallace, Leslie Crane, and Arthur Clarke are also in the cast of ‘ Roberta.’ The work of a beautiful team of Australian ballet girls adds to the production. The company includes a lull operatic chorus and orchestra. During the brief season ‘ Our Miss Gibbs ’ and ‘ High Jinks ’.will also be staged. ! On Wednesday night progress results of the election will bo given from the stage by Mr Cyril Ritcliard.