“ While Horse Inn ”

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 16, 21 January 1936, Page 8

“ While Horse Inn ”

DAZZLING PRESENTATION AT OPERA HOUSE.

Viewed from any angle, “The White Horse Inn’’ is tho most notable stage production seen in New Zealand in a generation. Not only does it exploit to the full the rich heritage left by the brilliant succession of musical comedies of the twentieth century, but tho introduction of the revolving stage has made available a wealth of variety and rapidity of change in the scenic presentation hitherto undreamed of. The great audience at the Opera llouso last night was both bewildered and delighted by the dazzling pageantry of this lightning chango of scene with its accompaniment of new and delightfully original ballets, the sumptuous dressing of which baffled adequate description. Tho quaiutness of conception of the story gave almost unlimited scope lor novelty in stagecraft and it was exploited to the full. Super-imposed on this phantasy of colour, form and motion, was a prodigal wealth of original and witty dialogue, tuneful music and uproarious comedy put over with irresistible verve by a powerful cast, fine chorus, brilliant orchestra and a batallion of efficient technicians, all welded by long training into one perfectly co-ordinated whole. Such popular favourites as Romola Hansen and Herbert Browne in the leading roles, aided by tho delightful fooling ol Albert Frith, Alban Mack and Don Nicol, ensured that both romance and comedy -would be exploited to tho full and all received flattering appreciation from every part of the house. One of the most striking ballets was the Tyrolean folk-dance, the girls in green and chocolate satin skirts with brown velvet jackets, their partners in short black deer-sldu pants embroidered and laced, white shirts and embroidered braces and green velour Alpine hats with ornamental plumes of deer hair. In this was included the famous “fight dance,’’ an unusual feature of the show.

There was an indescribable scone of enthusiasm at the conclusion of last night’s performance when gay streamers were thrown to the stage from all parts of the house. Returning thanks for the generous applause, Mr. Alfred Frith said it was evident the stage was not dead and that there were still thousands with love in their hearts for the legitimate theatre. •

Running through the production is the inconsequent but charming, story typical of musical plays, in which romance intermingles with comedy, enchanting melodies with lilting and ever-changing rhythm, while scenes of amazing loveliness exercise gay witchcraft over tho audience. The action takes place in the celebrated inn situated in the Tyrolean mountains, to which a Yorkshire manufacturer has been beguiled by his rather headstrong daughter against his personal inclinations. Here business rivals had assembled, further complicating love affairs in tangled skeins. The plot centres round the romantic misuudcistandings of Josepha, proprietress of the inn, and Leopold, her head waiter, who protests an undying passion for his mistress. A young English lawyer is tho foil, but it takes tho efforts of no less a personage than an Emperor to sort out tho difficulties and smooth the path for the course of true love. In the leading role as Josepha, the proprietress of White Horse Inn, Miss Romola Hansen impressed her captivating way through the show, scoring an even greater triumph than on her previous appearances in the city. She was a vivacious Tyrolean, always picturesquely attired, and blithely carolled tho musical gems allotted to her, calling the tunc for all who came her way. Mr Don Nicol, a delightful comedian with infectious wit, combined admirably comedy with pathos in a new serio-comic role as the lovelorn head waiter. Mr Herbert Browne gave a convincing portrayal of the part of the English barrister, and his attractive baritone voice was heard to advantage, particularly m the duets,

“White Horse Inn" with Miss Han sen, and in tho “Valse Song" with Miss Miriam Lester. Comedy centred round Mr Albert Frith, whose every appearance as John Ebenezer Ginkle, the Yorkshire business man abroad, pushing his "button-oop-t’-front" underwear, signalised unrestrained mirth. As his daughter, Ottoline, Miss Miriam Lester added to the merriment, her sweet singing enhancing her pleasing presence. Mr Alban Mack added variety to a riot ot fun with his clever eccentricities, and had an admirable foil in his lisping partner, Miss Marie Conan, the noted English actress. Outstanding interludes were the delightful vocal and yodelling numbers of Miss Daphne Lowe. Mr Colin Crane, as the dignified Emperor; Master Graves as the youthful Piccolo, together with Mr Charles Albert, Miss Jeanne Battye and Miss Leah Miller, further strengthened this galaxy ol stars.

The management of the "White Horse Inn" Company said last evening that, contrary to the general impression prevalent, there were plenty of reserved stalls available for to-night and to-morrow night at tho booking office at Collinson and Cunninghame’s.