“The New Moon,” and “The Belle of New York”

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7409, 17 December 1930, Page 6

“The New Moon,” and “The Belle of New York”

Alike in tnc scope and splendour of its production, the fineness of its romance and the varied charm of its musical score, "The New Aloon,” vhieii is to be staged at the Opera House on Tuesday night next, is said to surpass in magnificence many of the spectacular plays which J. C). Williamson, Ltd., has presented in recent years. Positively only tlio one performance of "The New Aloon” can be staged, and on Wednesday evening of next w-cck the company will appear in a glorious production of tho evergreen comic opera, "The Belle of New York," which will be staged with new and elaborate costumes, magnificent scenery and with a cast of characters unequalled in any previous presentation of this remarkably popular musical play. In "Tho New Aloon” Aliss Romola Hansen, as Marianne, achieved something of a triumph in this rolo in Australia. Her pure and rich soprano voice and intelligent use of it, which was apparent in "The Desert Song,” greatly assisted in making ail outstanding success of "The New Aloon” in Alelbourne, Sydney and Wellington. Sydney Burchall, since his last appearance here, has made rapid strides in his profession, and as the principal baritone and hero in "The New Aloon” ho has scored his best success. The Williamson management was evidently fortunate in obtaining the services of the popular comedian, Air. Jim Gerald, as he has won a remarkable popularity in "The New Aloon.” His comedy scenes and his eccentric dancing are, it is said, features of the production. Air. Leo Darnton, who will be remembered for his splendid work in the last Gilbert and Sullivan company which visited New Zealand, was specially engaged for the character ho portrays, and so was Air. Herbert Browne for the role of Philip, which gives this brilliant young artist every opportunity to display his rich tenor voice to the greatest advantage. There arc eleven scenes in "The New Aloon.” The gorgeous settings depicting the grand salon of a New Orleans mansion, with its picturesque 18th. century costumes, the interior of the Creole cafe, the stockade in the Island of Pines, with pulsating kaleidoscopic mine-on-scene; and above all the deck of the New Aloon, merchant ship, and its terrific fight with pirates, provide a scries of vivid living pictures. The authors say they have built their play out of incidents in the life of Robert Alisson, a French aristocrat of revolutionary tendencies in the days of Louis XVI. "The New Aloon” was written by Oscar Hammcrstein, Frank Alan del and Lawrence Schwab, who have been responsible for many successes, and its music is by Sigmund Romberg, composer of "The Student Prince” and "The Desert Song.” Altogether there arc considerably over 100 people concerned in the production of “The New Aloon,” including a full operatic chorus and orchestra. The box plans will be opened at the Central Booking Office nest Friday sssriaisg.