j. C. Williamson’s Greatest Production

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 10, 13 January 1936, Page 2

j. C. Williamson’s Greatest Production

‘‘WHITE HORSE INN” One of the main features of “White Horse Inu,” the mammoth J. C. Williamson, Ltd.’s stago production which is to be presented at tho Opera House on Monday evening next, and the two following evenings, and on Wednesday afternoon, January 22, is the huge revolving stage, entirely new to New Zealand audiences, weighing ten tons, which enables setting to follow setting with smoothness and precision, and so present a sequence of ever-changing and wonderful scenes in a constant blaze of colour. Two of these stupendous revolving stages had to be constructed for the New Zealand tour, so that while one is being used me duplicate one is sent on to the next town in charge of a staff of mechanics and electricians. Critics everywhere have been lavish ih their praise of "White Horse, Hm”—of the gorgeous dressing, marvellous scenery, glorious ballets, aud of the entrancing music. Mechanical aids are brought to their highest pitch of perfection in bringing realism to the stage. Among the superb settings are the storm scene, in which the play of the lightning, the roll of thunder and a downpour of rain are simulated with startling rcailism. Another setting is the bathing I girl scene, in which a bevy of bathing i beauties imitate, with lissom motion, i the undulating action of the waves, i Not tho least of the beauties of the [production is the excellence of its music and the haunting melodies are done full justice by the principal artists and the full operatic eborus and orchestra. Among the outstanding pieces arc “Lend Mo a Dream,” “In This Fickle World,” “The White Horse Inn,” “The Waltz Song,” “It Would be Wonderful,” and the inspiring number, “Good-Bye.” Another featuic of “White Horse Inn” is its clever and genuinely humorous comedy. Still another feature is the introduction of a team of Marquartsteiner Tyrolese dancers. “White Horso Inn” gathers in speed from the very rise of the curtain, and the medley of Alpine guides, chambermaids, tourists, and children, grows fuller and fuller as this mammoth production progresses, until it reaches a tremendous climax with the 3tage revolving and showing some wonderful scenes, alive with people. One of the best scenes in the play is tho arrival of tho aged Emperor Francis Josef, on a steamboat, aud the welcome accorded him by the village people and the rural band. The artists who appear in “White Horse Inn” were specially selected for their various Toles, with the result that every one of them fits exactly into the atmosphere of the fifteen sceiies. Romola Hansen has achieved one :of her greatest triumphs in the role of Josephe, and Herbert. Browne’s delightful tenor voice is heard to exceptional advantage in tho musical numbers allocated to the role of the solicitor. Messrs Alfred Frith aud " n Nicol, two outstandingly brilliant artitsts,. aer said to be highly humorous throughout the production, and Mario Conan, a new arrival from London, and Alban Mack, are two excellent artists and dancers. Other principals are Miriam Lester, Colin. Crane, Charles Albert, Jeanne Battye, Peter Gordon, Daphne Lowe and Master Greaves, the latter a wonderful. 10-year-old actor, Altogether there are ■over 150 people concerned in the production of “White Horse Inn,” including a talented Australian ballet

The box plans will be opened at Gollinson and Cunninghame’s on Thursday morning next at nine o’clock. A queue will bo formed from 8 a.m.