“RIO RITA.”

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 14 August 1929, Page 2

“RIO RITA.”

A SPECTACULAR PIECE

COALEDY, DANCING AND SONG:

A RETURN SEASON ARRANGED

Upon the stroke <d eight, o clock the curtain rose at tlie Opera House last nigilt on the long-awaited musical comedy “Riioi Rita,” which, under the banner of tlie Fuller management, lias- been enjoving a remarkably successful run in New Zealand. The big audience, which had boked out the theatre within two hours of the opening of the box plans, was in an expectant mood and it wa.s not disappointed. “Rio Rita bas eretry tiling to- delight the hearts ol patrons in search of music, movement, colour and comedy. Before anyone had realised it, two hours had slipped away and even then the show had travelled but two-thirds of its journey; it was ai well-satisfied audience which trooped out of tlie Opera- House at 11 p.m. Song and dance .ballet and principals followed' upon one another .in such a profusion of good things that it ns difficult to summarise impressions, but perhaps it would be just to 1 state that the colourful movement of the piece is the impression which, stands out most stiong]y. In choosing Alexico a.s the setting, the producers gave themselves a big advantage which they exploited to the full in scenes of gaudy colouring—brilliant lighting, gay costumes and that sparkle which is always associated in our minds with the Latin peoples. Ihe story is slight, but it suffices to keep the action constantly alive and to provide the hero and heroine with some artistically romantic moments. Aliss Gladys Alonorieff received a warm welcome when she made her first very effective appearance in the role of Rita Her voice proved as fresh and powerful as ever and her work, solo, duet and with a big chorus, was consistently good. Mr Leslie, Pearce made an excellent lead in the rode of the captain ol • the Texas Rangers, who was also Rita’s lover. His commanding presence and his splendid voice enabled him to do full justice to the part. The comedy work, which was a big feature of tlie piece, was iu capable hands. Aliss Janette Gilmore, as Dolly tlie cabaret girl, wa.s a: theatrical gem of am unique order. The most versatile, dancer it has been our good fortune to see —aerobatic, eccentric step-dancing, graceful ballet work, and even roller skating, all come easily to her. But she is in addition a true comedienne, with a personality which, added to her ability, enables her to create in the audience the right mood for the full enjoyment of her work. It would require too much space to describe in detaiUthe joyful work of the sprightly Janette —she must be seen to be appreciated. Principal of the male comedians was Air Charles Norman. So long as he was on the stage the audience was alternating between chuckles and bursts of laughter. His is the “life of the party” type of comedy—never at a loss, and equally as delightful as a dapper young-man-a.bout-Mexieo as he is in the low-comedy type into which lie inexplicably is transformed the piece proceeds. Air Dave _ Malle'n, a diminutive American comedian, makes an excellent foil to both Air Norman anp Aliss Gilmore. His best scenes are those early on the piece, when lie is just married. There are many other actors and actresses in this cast of seventyfive well worthy of notice for their singing as much as for their other work, notably Afiss Nellie Strong, as Carmen; All - lan Iredale, as General Esteban; Miss Phyllis Du Barry, Air Harry Burgess( a mast ruffianly Alexioan bandit to the life), but space, must be found for mention of the chorus and the ballet. In no piece of recent yeans have we seen more attractive dancing nor more gorgeous costuming. The Fuller management have proved once again that it can produce spectacular pieces right up to the very highest standards of excellence. The black and white ballet, the Einka.jou dance, the sha.wl ballet and a host of others, provided the audience with ai delightful spectacle oi constantly changing colour and movement. The parade of the Aztec goddesses provided the producers with an opportunity of showing what can be done in tlie matter of elaborate costuming—but, indeed! there was not one scene in which tlie ballet did not prove thait the ingenuity of the costuming artists is by no means' exhausted. The many would-be patrons who found! it impossible to secure reservations for the one-night season of “Rio Rita” will learn with pleasure that a return visit has been definitely arranged. In about two weeks time the company will return here in full force for one night prior to entering upon a long season at Auckland.