'THE VAGABOND KING'

Evening Star, Issue 22974, 3 June 1938, Page 2

'THE VAGABOND KING'

OPENING WITH MATINEE TO-MORROW Theatregoers are promised a real treat when they see this brilliant musw cal conjedy production, ‘ The Vagabond : King. ’ ( which-. opens ,at Hi« Majesty's Theatre to-morrow (Saturday) with a gala matinee. Its tuneful,, haunting melodies—so well known- to us all, yet not always associated with this musical comedy—are a feature ofi the production. Probably few productions staged in the city within recent i years have offered music of such apfealing merit. ‘ Only a Rose,’ ‘ Love 'or Sale/ ‘ Drinking/ and (he harmonised! work in the immortal ‘Te Deuin ’ are only some of the numbers that will still ring in the ears when the final curtain falls. With a chorus numbering 75 and a professional orchestra of 18 players, *under_ the baton of Mr James Clark, musical .director,. Rudolf Friml’s compositions, will bo heard to advantage. ...' . ’ > Heading the talented cast are Retaj Stone and James Maofarlane. Although this will be Miss Stone’s first appear-* ance before Dunedin footlights, she will be assured of instant success. As Katherine, her fine soprano voice will be heard to advantage in several tuneful solos, although none .the less attractive in her duets. Mr. Mdcfarlano plays a difficult role as _ Francois Villon, a character part making exact-* ing demands in both vocal and histrionic efforts. Included in. the supporting cast are Freda Elmes, who needs no introduction to Dunedin;audiences; Tui Northey, who adds a ,touch’ of humour; and Harriet Hamer as the voluble Margot. Mr Richard White plays the role of the eccentric Louis, while Stan Lawson as Tabatie and Richard Murphy, as Oliver will keep the audience in great glee with'their comedy. . Others who take leading parts are 8. G. Lodk. E. Ombler, E. W. Griffiths. Jack Johnson. Donald Munro, Mark Gaston, and John Gordon. „ • ; . ' v It would indeed he an injiflllice n mention were not made of the trained ballet. Miss Rosetta Powell, the ballel mistress, has again in comInning the novel with the artistic. The entire production is. In tht hands of Mr Stan Lawson, who alwayi achieves such a characteristically finished production. ™ ‘ The Vagabond King * season will continue for one w*ek, and matmeei will be held on Monday. - (King • Birthday) and the following Saturday, The box plans are «t the D.LG booking office. .Ray Bales wpl b< located at the Rialto., '