Williamson’s Opera Company

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 238, 8 October 1938, Page 11

Williamson’s Opera Company

•‘BALALAIKA’' AND “DESEBT SONG" TWO COLOSSAL PRODUCTIONS For many months past the director* of J. C. Williamson Theatres have been contemplating the possibilities of producing in New Zealand the stupendous comic opera triumph “Balalaika," and eventually after many conference# between the management, the mechanical and electrical experts and Mr Frederick, the producer, all the difficulties -were surmounted. It will b« presented here with all the wonderful scenery and spectacular effects which are big features of its London, New York and Australian representations, on Thursday, October 20. Postively only the one representation can be staged of “Balalaika," and on Friday, October 21, the company will appear in a brilliant revival of the exquisite and picturesque romantic comic opera, ‘ 1 Tho Desert fckmg." “Balalaika" is regarded as being by far the biggest and most expensive musical play ever to bo staged in Australia or New Zealand and the mechanists electricians and technicians attached to its performances in Sydney and Melbourne scoffed at the idea of it ever being sent on tour bccause of its magnitude. There are over 150 people concerned in tho presentation of “Balalaika" and the cast of characters consists of 40 principals. To procure high standard artists for tho parts the agents of J. C. Williamson scoured England, the Continent, America and Australia, with the result that playgoers of New Zealand will witness a representation of “Balalaika" quite equal in every respect to those given In Loudon and New York. “Balalaika" unfolds an intensely interesting love romance, its action taking place in Russia and Paris, thus lending itself to picturesque stage settings and gorgeous uniforms and costumes. “Balalaika" will introduce to playgoers several new artists, including Miss Violet Carlson, who, on her initial appearance in Sydney, simply electrified playgoers. Mf George Hancock is one of London'■ 3 r oungest leading baritones, and Diana Ducane, a young English soprano, possesses a voice of exceptional range and quality. The principal comedian is Mr Don Nicol, who was the outstanding comedian in “White Horso Inn" and who more recently appeared successfully with Gladys Moncrieff in “The Merry Widow." Tho Russian ballets and French dances, which are a feature of “Balalaika," were created and directed by Thadee, who was a star member of the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet. The two principal dancers are Gwen Brown and Hucky Taylor, /ha box plans will be opened at Collmeon and Cunninghame's on Tuesday, October 18, for both “Balaika" and “The Desert Song."