J. C. Williamson's Pantomime

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 5603, 18 March 1931, Page 2

J. C. Williamson's Pantomime

“THE HOUSE THAT JACK. BUILT.’ ’ To-morrow morning at nine p’clock the box plans will be opened for the approaching season of J. C. Williamson’s mammoth pantomime extravaganza, “The House That Jack Built,’ which is to be staged here on Tuesday evening. To ensure that the cailiest may be certain of seats a staff of ushers will be in attendance from ° a.m. “The House That Jack Built, wrote a critic recently, provides tlnee happy hours of entertainment ■ oc amusement lovers of all ages, and during those three hours are presented tna series of novelties and specialties, any one of which could not fail to as.mio the success of tiny average production. Mr. Jim Gerald, who plays the most important part, that of Dame Barleycorn, is said to bo irresistibly funny. Ho proved himself an _ outstanding clever and original comedian when ho delighted us in “The New Moon” ana in “The Belle of New York, but, naturally, in a pantomime he receives greater scope for his funnyisms and u is said that he uses his opportunities to such an extent that he Ims Ins audience in roars of laughter tho whole time he is on the stage. At the matinee performances Mr. Gerald provide,; some special entertainment for tho clnh dren, and in one scene they sing with him and become part of the pcifomr ance Another very excellent comedian is Mr. Roy Rene, who is well and favourably known to New Zealanders. It is said that lm is genuinely humorous in the role of Sammy. Dainty and dashing Amv Rochelle is the “principal boy,” and her brilliant singing acting and dancing greatly assist in making “The House That .Tack Built,” the most successful pantomme ever staged by tho Williamson, Ltd., man agement. Much amusement is created, it is said, by the eccentricities of a cow, splendidly presented by the Paulesto Brothers." Miss Nell Taylor, who play's the “principal girl,” and Miss Kathleen Goodall. who plays the Fairy Queen, are both gifted with good voices, which arc heard in some delightful musical numbers. As a stage spectacle it has been gencrnllv acknowledged that “Tho House That Jack Built” far surpasses all other pantomimes, and an outstanding feature is the wonderful talent displayed by a number of children, whose ages range from 5 to 15 years. They introduce some vivid and colourful ballet dancing into the wonderful toy r -shop scene, and they' make this one of the most brilliant parts of the production. There are over 100 people concerned in the production of “The House That Jack Built,” including a full operatic chorus and orchestra, which are under the baton of Mr. William Redstone, who was the musical director for “The New Moon.” The pantomime was produced bv Mr. Charles A. Wenman.