“THE VAGABOND KING”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6844, 25 February 1929, Page 8

“THE VAGABOND KING”

The reports from Sydney to the effect that “The Vagabond King’’ the stupendous spectacular musical play to be staged here by the J. C. Williamson Ltd. management at the Opera House on Thursday for one night only surpasses any co-mie opera previously staged in Australia, including “Rose Marie’’ and “The Maid of the Mountains,” will doubtless infuse great interest in this production, and there is likely to be a large demand for seats when the box plans are opened for its brief season to-morrow (Tuesday) morning at the Opera House. “Breathcatching ensembles and melodies that go gambolling through the brain; a handsome harum-scarum hero, a great lady with a beautiful voice, swashbucklers, a sardonic king, gay courtiers and gay ladies, fights, fun and frolics are factors which have assisted to make “The Vagabond King” tho most successful comic opera staged during recent years. “Surely,” wrote a Sydney critic, “there never was a richer riot of colour than ‘The Vagabond King’ never a show of more tumultuous movement, never more inspiring music in a story so romantic, so full of thrills and adventurous doings. Playgoers will be glad to welcome Mr James Liddy, who it is said is at his very best in the role of Francois Villon (The Vagabond King). The part gives this brilliant artist, opportunities to shine both as a singer and an aetor. Those two sterling comedians, Mr Arthur Stigan-t and Mi Cecil Kellaway have splendid and most congenial characters to portray and they are said to be very amusing the whole time they are on the stage. Miss Strella Wilson was specially engaged for the role of Katherine, her singing being an outstanding feature of the production. There are over 60 choristers and therj is also a full operatic orchestra. “The Vagabond King” has not yet been staged in Melbourne, but it is due to open there on Easter Saturday, so the New Zealand tour must necessarily be a brief one, and therefore, only a limited number of performances can be staged here.