Oriental Mystery

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 111, 13 May 1939, Page 2

Oriental Mystery

CHANG’S “TRIP TO HADES” FANTASTIC APPARITIONS Few artists who visit Palmerston North, have upon them that mark of greatness conferred by the Roxy Theatre, New York, the world’s largest theatre. Chang, the famous Chinese man of mystery and magician, coming to Palmerston North next week on his whirlwind tour of New Zealand, played in this famous theatre on Broadway several years ago with his now famous Chinese mystic revue, “A Trip to Hades.” Chang’s father was a magician and an astrologer, and as such he held an official position in China with the Royal family, in fact for his part in arranging for the young prince (later Emperor of Manchukuo) to escape, Chang senior was beheaded. Chang junior by this time was in America where he received a thorough western education. After seeing Ameri* ca’s great show offerings he decided that by combining the magic of his father with the glamour of Ziegfeld he would have something unique in entertainment. He went to New York and there organised his now spectacular ‘‘A Trip to Hades.” The music was specially written by Ernesto Lecuona, the renowned Spanish composer; the settings were designed by Silvo Bermejo; and the Oriental tapestries supplied by Wing Hong, of Canton, China. The spectacle was entirely conceived by Chang, the introduction of Ghosts, weird fantastic apparitions that actually appear among the audience in the theatre, was discovered by Chang while in Tibet. This unique presentation has caused amazement and more often than not utter bewilderment and consternation. Recently in Sydney following the appearance of the ghosts in the audience at tho Tivoli Theatre, a number of women fainted and pandemonium broke out.

To offset the appearance of the ghosts Chang presents the “ Legend of San Li Tay,” a Chinese fantasy', which requires nearly 30 artists on the stage and there elaborate Chinese settings. In fact most of the production consists of magnificent settings, beautiful girls, unusual music, and a host of Chinese assistants. French, German, Spanish and American specialty artists also appear. In the centre of all this lavishness is Chang himself. He is the supreme artist. Altogether in “A Trip to Hades” there are 28 scenes, which calls for a great deal of skill and hard work for the army of stage hands employed back stage.

11 A Trip to Hades ’ ’ will be staged at the Opera House, Palmerston North, Monday and Tuesday week, May 22 and 23. There will be a special matinee on the Tuesday afternoon. The box plan will open at Collinson and Cunninghame’s next Wednesday, May 17.