"The New Moon”

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7411, 19 December 1930, Page 8

"The New Moon”

This morning the box plans will be opened at the Central Booking Office at nine o’clock for the initial production here of “The New Moon,” the colossal musical comedy triumph, which is to be staged by J. C. Williamson’s company, comprising over 100 peopie at the Opera House next Tuesday night and for the 1930 production of the J. C. Williamson Ltd.’s “The Belle of New York,” on Wednesday evening. Undoubtedly nowadays tho public will not go to a theatrical show unless it has outstanding merit, and so far as “Tho New Moon” is concerned it is significant that despite the financial depression in Australia this charming comic opera broke even the records established in Sydney and Melbourne by “The Desert Song,” “Before the curtain rose,” wrote a Melbourne critic, “on ‘The New Moon’ at J. C. Williamson’s theatre on Saturday night a general air of expectancy was prevalent throughout tho packed house, which soon after the . opening scenes changed to one of sincere appreciation —appreciation of good music, fine voices, beautiful and effective costumes and magnificent stage spectacles. Tho spontaneous applause after each number and repeated* calls at the finales was witness to the fact that' when introduced to one, Melbourne’s public acknowledges a good show. Bomoia Hansen’s work as Marianne was delightful. This actress proceeded from the first to charm her audience with her dainty appearance, comprehensive portrayal of a spoilt and imperious mademoiselle, and her charming soprano voice was heard at its best in such songs as “Ono Kiss,” “Wanting You,” and “Lover, Come Back to Me.” Sidney Burchell, who was a prominent member of “The Desert .Song” opera company achieved an outstanding success in Australia in tho singing role of Robert Misson, anil Herbert Browne’s glorious tenor voice is heard at its very best in the music allocated the part of Phillippc. While the music is an outstanding feature of ‘The New Moon’ tho authors of this opera did not lose sight of tho fact that comedy is a necessity, and iu the hands of the brilliant comedian, Mr. Jim Gerald, the dramatic interest is relieved by his funnyisms and those of his collaborators, Don Nicol and Amy Rochelle. Messrs. Leo Darton, John Ralston and Bernard Manning all have important singing parts in ‘The New Moon’ and others in tho cast includo Amy Rochelle, Don Nicol, Duicie Dovonport.” The chorus and operatic orchestra are under the direction of William Redstone, and tho production was staged under the personal supervision of George H. Highland. In the 1930 up-to-date presentation

of “Tho Belle of New York,” the present company achieved a sensational success in Melbourne and Sydney and in both these cities it ran for over 12 weeks, and it was generally acknowledged that never previously has been witnessed a better all-round production of this most popular of all comic operas. In the title role Miss Romola Hansen is seen and heard to exceptional advantage and Mr. Sidney Burchell is said to be excellent in the role of Harry Bronson. It is to bo noted that tho management brought Mr Leslie Holland specially from Australia to play tho part of Ichabad Bronson, and in which he scored such a wonderful success recently in Sydney and Melbourne