J. C. Williamson's Mammoth Attraction

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 68, 22 March 1937, Page 9

J. C. Williamson's Mammoth Attraction

THE RUSSIAN BALLET. To-nig&t at the Opera House beginning at 8 o’clock the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management will present Colonel de Basil’s world-renowned Monte Carlo Russian Ballet, which numbers over 100 artists, including some of the world’s greatest and most celebrated dancers. Although the booking is very heavy there are still a number of seats in central positions which may be selected, at the box office until 5 o’clock and afterwards the box plans will be on view at the theatre. During a period of very many years the Williamson management has sent to us a large number of important productions, but they are now crowning all their previous efforts by giving us an opportunity to enjoy in our local theatre probably the best theatrical attraction in the world to-day. Taking into consideration the enormous expenses incurred in sending such a gigantic organisation to Palmerston North, the prices which are being charged for admission are very reason--1 able, and that playgoers have realised this fact they have proved by the very I large demand which has been made for seats in the dress circle and reserved stalls. The popularity of the Russian Ballet in London, New York and on the I Continent has increased year by year, and that it is proving quite as popular I in Australia and New Zealand is borne out by the phenomenal successes which | have been won by Colonel de Basil’s company in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. Such widespread appreciation is due to the fact that the ballet embraces remarkable entertainment. Colonel de Basil’s artistic creations have reacned a very high standard, and at Covent Garden, London, enthusiastic audiences testified to their beauty and appeal during a season which concluded prior to the sailing of the company for Australia and New Zealand. The opening ballet, “Les Sylphides,” is a romantic reverie with music by Chopin, principal artists in this ballet being Helene Kirsova, Igor Youchkevitch, Nathalie Branitzki, Ann Skarpa, Irina Bondireva, Nina Yousskevitch, and others. This ballet will be conducted by Ivan Clayton, of Covcnt Garden. Following this will be the famous

"Scheherazade,” based on the story from the "Arabian Nights,” the principal exotic ballet of the repertoire. It is danced to Rimsky-Korsakoff ’3 music. A powerful drama, "Scheherazade”

features Leon Woizikowski, Nina Raievska, Valentin Fromau, Valery Schcvsky, Thades Slavinsky, Nathalie Branitzka, Tamara Tchinarova, Olga Valeska and others. This production will be followed by “Aurora’s Wedding,” the outstanding ballet in the company’s repertoire, with music by Tchaikowski. “Aurora’s Wedding” will introduce the ballerina Valentina Blinova, one of the foremost dancing stars in London and Paris, who will take tho role of premiere danseuse. Her partner will be Valentin Froman. Altogether 70 of the company will take part in this unique ballet, which will be conducted by Jascha Horens.tein, recently conductor of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. The Auckland season has proved the most successful ever enjoyed by a J. C. Williamson, Ltd., attraction in that city, and it is likely that the whole tour will prove a recordbreaker. Features of each of the ballets are the gorgeous stage setting and the magnificent and appropriate dressings. Another outstanding feature is the full grand operatic orchestra of 25 specially selected imported sicians. The box plans are at Collinson and Cunninghame’s.