STAGE FOLK

Evening Star, Issue 22893, 26 February 1938, Page 5

STAGE FOLK

* BALALAIKA 9 AT EASTER

It has been announced by Mr H. Stringer, New Zealand representative for Messrs J. C. Williamson Ltd., that an Easter attraction for New Zealand will be the spectacular ‘ Balalaika,’ musical play now playing a phenomenal season in Australia. It is said to eclipse in magnificence even the entrancing ‘ White Horse Inn ’■ production, and is regarded by many as the peak achievement in stagecraft in Australia. In the huge cast of over 150 people are a full Russian ballet, trained and led by a member of the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet that urns in New Zealand "last year ; a novel balalaika band that plays music never before heard in the Dominion; songs that remain in memory; and, above all, a most romantic theme. When Eric Masohwitz (director of variety for the 8.8. C., London) contributed ‘ Balalaika ’ to the London stage, it was realised by WiHiameon-Tait representatives at Home that the sumptuous musical play, with its gay scenes shifting from Russia to France and England, would appeal to colonial theatregoers. And so it was secured for production. Its popularity > in Australia shows no signs of waning, and fit will cause a sensation when produced in New Zealand, commencing at Auckland on Easter Monday, April 18. The stars are Robert Halliday, handsome American, Margaret Adams, and Marjorie Gordon. The mounting, dressing, lighting, etc., in ‘Balalaika’ have, never before been excelled, and the result is a colourful, animated, and completely satisfying performance from every point of view;, A MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE. Miss Fay Compton’s performance as Queen Victoria in the Williamson'production of ‘ Victoria Regina ’ has been

described by theatregoers in Auckland (where she has just concluded her all-too-short season) as memorable and brilliant; her study of the Queen from 5 youth to old age as a treat that cornea but rarely. The Housman chronicleElay is an acute and charming study of uman character, a series of sparkling episodes, each with its own dramatio vein; a pageant of nineteenth century dignity and sumptuousness. Bruno, Barnabe’s presentation of Prince Albert ! delighted theatregoers in the northern! city, who praised the manliness and' naturalness of his study. Indeed, the' whole cast acquits itself admirably—>! Stafford Hilliard as the Archbishop of' Canterbury contributing a remarkably,! authentic performance. In the second' piece of the company’s repertoire,- i ‘ George and Margaret,’. the smart ' repartee, modernistic settings, and] frocking came as a complete contrast to the Victorian dignity of ‘ Victoria Re- ' gina,’ and afforded Miss Compton and; her colleagues an excellent opportunity to prove their extraordinary capacity for any branch of stage work. The company is now on tour, and commences it« Wellington season on March 5. REVUE FOR NEW ZEALAND, ‘ The Williamson revue company announced to begin a dominion tour at! Auckland on March 7, will present ai programme of acts of a new and novel j nature. There are many famous revue l stars in the company, but none perhaps so well known and liked as Ella Shields, ! the “ Peter Pan of the Music Halls,” or Jim Gerald, comedian and producer. ! Since her last visit, when she thrilled : audiences with her debonair male im- : personations, Miss Shields has travelled’ far, but she holds a special regard for Australia and New Zaeland, and is glad to be coming hack to the Dominion.Her repertoire of old and new favourites will be immensely popular with revue lovers. Since his last visit here many years ago, Mr Gerald has attained conspicuous Success on the London stage* He, too, is contemplating his return to New Zealand with keenest anticipation. The supporting company will be right up to the best Williamson tradition. TIBBETTS TOUR. At the beginning of May Lawrence Tibbett will commence his concert sea- ! son at the Melbourne Town Hall under, j the direction of J. and N. Tait. Al-i ready there i§ tremendous interest in' the advent of the star of opera, concert, / and screen, and hundreds of inquiries! have been received by J. and N. Tait? regarding his concert appearances, i Many of these have come from country j centres and other States. In several ! Victorian towns there is great eager-’ ness for a visit from the world-famous' baritone equalling the interest aroused ] by the tenor, Richard Crooks, It ia an interesting fact, by the way, that it was Richard Crooks, Tibbett’s .greatest friend, who persuaded Tibbett to come to Australia. Ho painted such a glowing picture of the country and the hospitality of the people and the enthusiasm of concert audiences'that the famous baritone rearranged his film, concert, opera, and ' broadcasting engagements im order to make the trip. WORLD-FAMOUS DISEUSE. J. C. Williamson Ltd. have engaged for a • tour of Australia and New Zealand the world-famous diseuse, Ruth. A/ Draper, the actress who has been described’ as “ many people in one.” Her one-woman programme has been drawing crowded audiences for several months at the Garrick Theatre, London, and she will come direct to Australia, ’ opening early in May, probably at the. v Comedy Theatre, Melbourne. Misa ' Draper, who is American by birth, bub speaks pure English, uses - practically no scenery or special costumes, but, ep great is her artistry, so changeable is her expression, so subtle is her reproduction of the timbre of different human’ voices that she creates the illusion that there are several people on the stage during her sketches, in which she varies tragedy, comedy, and drama. Recently she had the honour to he commanded to perform at Windsor Castle before tb# King and Queen.