‘THE VAGBAOND KING’

Evening Star, Issue 22973, 2 June 1938, Page 20

‘THE VAGBAOND KING ’

SEASON OPENS ON SATURDAY Commencing with a matinee on Saturday next at His Majesty’s Theatre, the Dunedin Operatic. Society will present its winter attraction, ‘ The Vagabond King.’ The season is for one week, with matinees each Saturday and on the King’s Birthday. The play overflows with smart dialogue, and Mr Stan. Lawson, who is the producer, can be relied upon to see that no detail is lacking. The cast includes performers who have distinguished themselves in other productions. Miss Ileta Stone, who is making her debut on a Dunedin stage, has the biggest singing part, and her delightful soprano voice should be heard to advantage in ‘ Only a Rose,’ ‘ Love Me To-night,’ ‘ To-morrow,’ and ‘ Some Day.’ Miss Freda Elmes will sing ‘ Love for Sale ’ and ‘ Hearts May Flower,’ while Miss Tui Northey, as Lady Mary, will, with Messrs Lawson and Murphy, be heard in ‘ Lullaby.’ Mr James Macfarlane, as Francois Villon, has the main singing role of the male cast, and with Miss Stone will be heard in a number of delightful duets, and with the full chorus in his main number, ‘ Song of the Vagabonds.’ Mr John Gordon will sing the comedy number, ‘ My Mother,’ while Mr Donald Munro will give ‘ Song of the Archers.’ Mr E. Ombler, as the Bungundian Herald, does some delightful work in the finale to Act If. Messrs Stan. Lawson and Richard Murphy, as Tabre and Oliver, provide the comedy for the play, assisted by Harriet Hamei as Margot, keeper of the tavern. Mr Richard White, who is well known for his clever character work, has the difficult role of Louis XT., and is ably assisted by Mr S. G. Lock as Tristan. Messrs Jack Johnson, E. W. Griffiths, and Mark Gaston ere others who play prominent parts. The chorus, which comprises 75 voices, is' the best ever assembled by the society, and the ballets have been designed and trained by Miss Rosetta Powell The costuming as used in the original London production has been specially imported, and is said to be the finest seen in Dunedin Box plans for the season are at the D.1.C., and day sales are at the Rialto.