J. C. Williamson Musical Comedy Company

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7294, 2 August 1930, Page 5

J. C. Williamson Musical Comedy Company

A large amount of interest is being taken in the appearance at the Opera House on Wednesday and Thursday next of J. C. 'Williamson’s new English musical comedy company, which is to appear for the first time on those two nights in two of the latest London Gaiety theatre musical comedy successes, “Love Lies” and ‘‘So This Is Love,” which, despite the opposition of tho talking pictures, attracted record houses during long seasons in Sydney and Melbourne. Local playgoers have a warm spot in their hearts for Clem Dawc, and this popular comedian is assured of a good reception when he makes his appearance for the first time hero in musical comedy. Tho part of Jerry Walker, which was portrayed inLondon by Stanley Lupine, it is said, might have been- specially written and created for Clem Dawe, so well docs he lit into it. The management was evidently fortunate in its selection of artists, particularly those engaged in London, as critics in Australia have been unanimous in declaring that they form the best organisation that has appeared in musical comedy for many years past. A series of diverting comedy incidents are included in ‘‘Love Lies,” one oi tho cheeriest being the unmarried artist’s attempt to escape the attentions of the Spanish-American lady by masquerading as a golden-haired young woman. Clem Dawe', of course, takes this part, and one can imagine how ridiculously humorous lie is in it. Quito a delightful love theme runs through all tho clever nonsense and there are plenty of catchy songs, threo extra numbers having been added by the producers, Eichard White and Eric Edglcy, w r ko were attracted by them when they, were in New York last year. The cast includes Miss Betty Eley, Mr. Bobby Gordon, Mr. Michael Cole (English artists who will make their first appearance here in ‘‘Love Lies”), Marie Eaton, Dan Agar, Paul Plunkett, Mona Bailee, Katherine Stewart, Mona Zeppcl, John Bobortsoii, Les. White, 'Eric Edgley,. Compton Coutts and John Wood. Tho “tap dancing” by a brilliant team of Australian dancers is a feature of the production. Other features aro the dressing and mounting and tho operatic orchestra, which is under tho direction of Gregory Ivanoff. Plans open on Monday at the Central booking office.