STAGE FOLK

Evening Star, Issue 22194, 23 November 1935, Page 5

STAGE FOLK

A great deal of interest lias been aroused in the stage production, locally of ‘ Roberta’ which, will be given by the J. C. Williamson Company in His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday evening next, and it is pretty, safe to predict a repetition of the packed houses that have greeted Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard elsewhere in New Zealand and accorded the production lavish appreciation. The first night Wellington audience repeatedly stopped the action of the opera, and, although the curtain was not finally lowered until 11.30, they remained in their seats and called the artists before them again and again, and would not leave the theatre until Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard came forward to thank them on behalf of themselves and their fellow-artists. It was one of the most memorable occasions ever known in the history of the Wellington stage. _ The company will also revive ‘ High Jinks ’ and ■ ‘ Our Miss Gibbs.’

. The Piccadilly Theatre, near Piccadilly Circus, has been sold for over £IOO,OOO to Mr Alfred Esdaile, managing director of the Prince of Wales Theatre, acting on behalf of, a syndicate. It is to be converted into, a variety house. Mr Esdaile has cabled to Miss Mae West offering her about £7,000 to be the star for two weeks when the theatre begins its new career. Some of the leading American and Continental performers will also appear at the Piccadilly. It was stated recently on Mr Esdaile’s behalf that he will not ignore British ’ 'ln-addition to engaging many ' British stars, he is' “ going to give a chance to all those actors in England who claim they have never had one.” The present visit of the' Viennese Boys’ Choir to New Zealand is the fulfilment of a long-awaited ideal, and to Messrs J. and N. Tait and Madame F. Marsi, a Viennese lady of charm, resident in Melbourne, who is acconrpanying the choir, much of the credit is cine for the privilege afforded New Zealand music lovers of hearing choral work par excellence. By the time these . flaxen-haired, fair-complexioned boys return to their homes in Vienna, they will have covered a large part of the globe. They are well known on the Continent, and England, Australia, and New Zealand, ifith America and other countries, have now paid tribute to one of the most amazing choirs in existence. The London season was a veritable sensation, critics agreeing that, though there were natural differences between the English and_ Viennese' styles, the latter _ system, instead_ of curbing spontaneity of expression, liberated it.. All were impressed with the sheer artistry, the high standard of musical achievement, the boyish enthusiasm of the youngsters; their deportment, and the likeable freshness of their musical outlook. After a highly successful tour of the North Island, the

choir is at Wellington to-night, that season closing on Thursday, the 28thi November. The Christchurch season commences on Saturday, November 30,, and concludes on December 6; Dunedin; dates are December 7 to December 11., Old playgoers, as well as the present generation of theatre lovers, will bet interested in the forthcoming produce tion of ‘Miss Hook of HoUand,’ by, J. C. Williamson Limited, at His Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, after the run of ‘Ball, at the Savoy.’ Thi* attractive musical play was' the first’ production at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, of the new firm of Sir Rupert Clarke, John Wren, Clyde: Meynell,, and John Gunn, in 1908. The cast ineluded Ruth , Lincoln as Sally Hooky Emmeline Orford as Mina, Helene Rosa as Grotchen, Essie Perrin as Clara! Voos, Edwin Brett as Mr Hook, Arthur Appleby as Captain Paap, Roland Bottomely as Bandmaster Van Viiyt,, Frank Morris as Van Eck. Tom Paynai as Ludwig Schnapps, Lionel Walsh a* Lieutenant de Coop, and ■ Williani Cromwell as Simon Slinks. The musical director was Victor Champion, and the play was produced by Charles A.' Wenman,