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

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7412, 20 December 1930, Page 12

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

BELLE OE NEW YORK.”

Great interest is being taken by playgoers over tho initial production here

at tho Opera Hones next Tuesday night of the stupendous comic opera tiiuiuph, “The New Moon,” which is to be pre-

sented by J. C. Williamson’s comic opera company, numbering close on 100 people and in the presentation of the

dcliciouslv tuneful, picturesque and very humorous comic opera, “The Belle of New York,” which is to be staged on Wednesday evening. Built upon a stirring story of French revolutionaries in New Orleans, plotting and striving dangerously in the cause of liberty and equality, in the year 1792, the musical score of “The New Moon” is naturally free from the bondage of jazz rythms and noisy remarks by the saxaphonc.

Its melodies, by Sigmund Eomhurg, author of “Rose Mario” and “Tho Desert Song,” vividly express its every phase and mood, from tender love songs

accompanied by soft arpeggio harping* and tho sweet soaring music of violins lo the tumultuous outpourings of a multitude proclaiming iu chorus thdir de-

fiant ideals and intentions. This play treats of the life of Robert Misson, u French aristocrat, whose autobiography was written in the late. 18th century, and this thread of historic reality gives substance to the. interesting plot. “Tho New .Moon” had a great success in New York and was produced at Drury Lane, Lorn! on, hist year at a cost of* nearly £25,000. The'run of “The New Moon” in Sydney and Melbourne did not quite reach that of “The Desert

Song,” but it is estimated that, at a normal period it would have broken all known Australian records. Miss Romola Ilansen, who appeared here successfully

iu “The Desert. Song,” achieved an outstanding triumph in Australia i rt the role ot Marianne, {n which is attached some glorious soios and concerted numbers which give Miss Hansen splendid opportunil ies to display her rich soprano voice to the fullest advantage. Sidney Burchell, the brilliant and talented young baritone created a furore by his acting and singing in tho Sydney and ‘Melbourne productions of “The New Moon” and so did Herbert Browne, the delightful young tenor. Mr. Leo Darnfon, who will bo remembered for his excellent work when he last appeared here in the Gilbert and Sulli-

van operas, scored an outstanding success in Sydney in “The New Moon.” Jim Gerald has a most humorous part in Vicomtc Riband, and others in the cast include John Ralston, Bernard Manning, Don Nicol, Amy Rochelle. “The New Moon” and “The Belle of New York” include a full operatic orchestra and chorus. Pleasant memories will be revered with the presentation of “The Belle of Now' York.” as its music is familiar to everybody. For “The Belle of New York” the management have brought specially from xiustralia the brilliant and popular comedian, Mr. Leslie Holland, who will take his original rolo of Schobod Bronson, his characterisation of which materially assisted in making “The Belle” a record success in Sydney recently. It is said that Miss Romola Hansen is as brilliant as Ihc Salvation Army lass, and Mr. Sidney Burchall has a part in Harry Bronson that may have been written for him. Jim Gerald is Blinky Bill and Don Niehoi, the Polite Lunatia and both, it is said, revel in their respective parts. Miss Amy Rochelle ha 3 scored her best, success as Ayelique. Box plans are now. open at the central booking office.