‘THE VAGABOND KING'

Evening Star, Issue 22975, 4 June 1938, Page 21

‘THE VAGABOND KING'

SEASON OPENED '* The Vagabond King ’ season, whicK opened at His Majesty’s Theatre this afternoon, promises to be most successful. For over three months the members of the Dunedin Operatic Society] rehearsed this, spectacular musical comedy, which is being presented for the first time in New Zealand by; amateurs. Presented in London at the Winter Garden Theatre, this musical comedy had a sensational run, Derek Oldham and Winnie Melville being in the leading roles. It later had a successful rurl in Australia and New Zealand when it was presented by_ the J* C. Williamson Company. On this occasion the Dunedin Operatic Society i* featuring Miss Rita Stone as Katherine and Mr James Macfarlane as Francois Villon. Miss Stone is making her debut on a Dunedin stage, and her attractive personality should win for her instant success. She has a definite flair for acting, and her rich soprano voice is more than equal to the demands made of it by the vocal scores Miss Stone has several delightful numbers, including ‘ Only a Rose, 5 ‘ Someday,’ and ‘Love Me To-night.’ Mr James Macfarlane, in the role of Villon, has the most spectacular role of his stage career, and his rendering of ‘ The Song of the Vagabonds,’ with the full chorus, should be a highlight of the show. Miss Freda Elraes, in the role of Huguette, has a part which' suits her to perfection, and her delightful voice will be heard in ‘ love For Sale ’ and ‘ Hearts May. Flower.’ Miss Tui Northey as Lady Mary and Harriet Hamer as Margot add quaint touches of humour. Mr Stan Lawson,; in addition to producing the play,; plays the role of Guy Tabarie, and with Mr Richard Murphy as Oliver, keep* the audience in a good humour. Mr Lawson’s main solo is 1 Drinking,’ and he will be heard with Miss Northey and Mr Murphy in the comedy trio, ‘ Plim Plum.’ The part of the eccentric King Louis has been entrusted to Mr Richard White, and Mr S. Lock has been cast as Tristan. Others who. play prominent parts are Mark Gaston. Jack Johnson, John Gordon, Donald Munro, E. Ombler, and E. Ww Griffiths, and there is a full operatio chorus of 75 voices with a largo orchestra under the baton of Mr James' Clark. The ballets for the production have been trained by Miss Rosetta Powell, and Mr Stan Lawson is responsible for the entire produetion.l The costuming for ‘The Vagabond, King ’ has been specially imported from London. The box plans for tha seaspn are at the D.1.C., and day sales are. at the Rialto. The box plans for Monday’s performances will be at the Rialto.