" Balalaika ”

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 249, 20 October 1938, Page 2

" Balalaika ”

GALA PREMIERE PRODUCTION A GORGEOUS SPECTACLE To-night at the Opera House, beginning at 8 o’clock, J. C. Williamson Theatres will present their incomparable Royal Comic Opera Company in the stupendous musical spectacle 4 4 Balalaika” which achieved an electrifying triumph in Wellington and Christchurch, and which is in its fourth year in England where it is regarded as the most entertaining comic opera the stage has ever known. Only the one representation can be staged of 4 4 Balalaika” and to-morrow evening the company will present a brilliant revival of the delicious romantic musical play “The Desert Song,” which is proving even more popular to-day than when it was originally produced. With its wealth of colour, its exotic music, its kaleidoscopic movement, its romantic love story, its exhilarating and refreshing humour and the beautiful ballets, “Balalaika” has never failed in England, tho Continent, America, Australia, and last in New Zealand, to attract and to delight large audiences, and the splendid booking recorded at the box office indicates the great interest which is being taken by local playgoers in its production here. 44 Balalaika” is packed with rich musical numbers The Williamson management has evidently been fortunate in getting together a particularly strong aggregation of singers, comic opera and musical comedy artists. Miss Violet Carlson, the comedienne, who hails from the principal Now York theatres, receives almost unlimited opportunities for the display of her outstanding artistry. Mr. George Hancock, the new leading baritone, has a good singing and acting role to portray and he has more than sustained his very high English reputation in the part of Count Peter Karagin. Miss Diana Ducane is the possessor of a pure soprano voice of exceptional range and quality. Mr. Don Nicol is probably one of the most popular comedians who has ever appeared in New Zealand and he particularly delighted playgoers with his delightful performance of the comedy part in 4 4 White Horse Inn.” Tho Russian ballets are big features of the production, and in the solos Miss Gwen Brown and Mr. Jan Ivinisky are said to be brilliant and artistic. The wonderful scenic effects, the gorgeous costumes and uniforms and the brilliant ensembles are other features of “Balalaika.” The full operatic chorus and orchestra are under the direction of Mr. Fred Quintrell, and the stage manager is Mr. H. Nightingale. The whole of the production is staged under the personal supervision of Mr. Frederick Blackman. The box plans are at Collinson and Cunninghame’s. The company will arrive by special train this morning. “THE DESERT SONG” TO-MORROW NIGHT The final appearance to-morrow night of J. C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Company will witness a magnificent revival of the deliciously tuneful, very picturesque and highly amusing comic opera, 4 4 The Desert Song,” which proved a record-breaker when it was originally staged in New Zealand. Its lovely music seems to fit into its story of romance, love and adventure. The average person does not know Morocco, but the author blissfully associates the desert with glamour, courage, chivalrous Arabs, sunsets and exotic passion to perfection. It is said that Mr. George Hancock sings and acts tho role of the 4 4 Red Shadow ’ ’ with great distinction. Miss Violet Carlson, as Susan, and Mr. Don Nicol, as Benjamin Kid, have, it is said, introduced clever and deft touches which have enriched the humour tremendously. Miss Diana Ducane sings the music allotted to the part of Margot delightfully, and Gaston Mervale brings his sense of drama and technical finesse to bear on General Biribeau.