J. C. Williamson’s Company

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 248, 21 October 1935, Page 4

J. C. Williamson’s Company

MADGE ELLIOTT AND CYRIL RITCHARD “ROBERTA” This morning the box plans will be opened at nine o'clock at Collinson and Cunninghame’s for tho only production here on Wednesday night next, of the gorgeously mounted musical comedy, “Roberta,'* which is to be staged by tho J. C. Williamson, Ltd., musical comedy company, with Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard in the leading parts. The occasion will' signalise the first appearance of these two artists since their recent marriage, and it will be their final visit, because after the present Now Zealand tour they will leave for London to fulfil important engagements there. Tho following was written by a Melbourne critic: ”‘Roberta,’ the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Christmas offering at Ilis Majesty’s theatre, is one of the liveliest and most completely satisfying musical comedies seen in Melbourne in years. Otto Harbarch has provided an unusually good ‘book’; the lyrics are clever and tho music by Jerome Ivern more than usually catchy. It is safe to predict tho new production wilt enjoy a long run to big business. The story interest is stronger than iu most musical plays and good contrast is provided by tho American college setting of the prologue and the Parisian settings which follow. There arc ten scenes in all and tho, scenic artist has done some particularly attractive work iu the modernistic vein. Cyril Ritchard is responsible for the entire .production, including the ballets and the dances, aud the success which ho has achieved iu this direction suggests that the management will wish him to produce other operas for it. ‘Roberta’ is staged and dressed lavishly, and there is a mannequin parade that will set all Melbourne talking. The first-nignt audience simply gasped at the beauty and daring of the frocking. The show girls have been carefully chosen with ail eye to type, and nothing more entrancing of its kind has ever been seen here than the complete ensemble of this gorgeous scene. ’ ’

Whether as a comedian or a dancer, Cyril Ritchard, it is said, has never been seen to greater advantage than iu “Roberta,” and Madge Elliott, as a Russian princess who manages Roberta’s frock shop, has the best part that has over come her, way. Her dancing, as it always has been in every production sho has appeared in, is a featuro of. “Roberta. ” Leo franklin is his. usual slick and lively self as Billy Borden, and his eccentric dances created a. furore in Auckland recently. Miss Ethel Morrison, who is a native of Wellington, but who has won most, of her fame in London and New York, was specially. engaged for the role .of Aunt Minnie, and it is said she makes a perfect gem of the part. Miss Marie La Varre : " tremendously popular in New Zealand, and she has appeared here on numerous occasions but never betore has she

received better opportunities to exhibit her genius as a comedienne than she has in “Roberta.” The brilliant young London musical comedy soubrette, Miss Diano Du Caue, will mak« her first appearance here in the role of Sophie Teal, and the brilliant young romantic actor, Frank Leighton, will make a welcome reappearance in the important part of Joha Kent. Field Fisher, Jerry Connolly, Charles Zoli, Vera Wallace, Leslie Crane and Arthur Clark, are also in the cast of “Roberta.” The work of a beautiful team of Australian balle-t girls adds to .the. production. The company, includes a full operatic chords and orchestra.