THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20130, 15 December 1928, Page 8 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES.

COMING PRODUCTIONS.

Els Majesty's. Now I'Jiving—" Tho Midnight Frolics." Jauuury B—\ anbrugb L»ouccicault Company. _ „ ComniK—:* The Desert bong. Ct. James*. Now playuifl-Ooorge Ward's Uevuo. (Lnst night.) Next Saturday—Goorgo Wallace Rovuo. January—" Leaguo ol Notions " Revue. February—Frank Neil's Comedy ComMarch—'* The Mystery Bride," " When Knights Wero Bold," and " Tons of Money." ; PLAYS AND PLAYERS. Mr. Loon Gordon's revival of " White CargJ " has not mot with tho samo success that attended tho initial production. Critics are fairly unanimous that Miss May Collins, as Tondelcyo, is tho weak link. In view of her porformanco in Cosmo Hamilton's " Scandal," oik> could hardly imagine hor as the perfect siren of the tropics.

For tho first time in tho history oi the American stago an English rovuo has been imported to New York. This is Mr. Noel Coward's " This Year of CJrace," and it is being produced by tho übiquitous Mr Charles 13. Cochran. It contains a wealth of witty skotchcs in •Mr. Coward's clovercst manner, a manner 'which pleases Amoricans just as much as it does English audiences.

Tho American play " Broadway," a phenomenal sucescs in New lork, and something of a failuro in London, has struck tne middle course in its Paris presentation. It lias been translated into tho French with a few incongruities resulting. As an incentive on tho opening nichC small bottles of whisky labelled " boot-leg" wero distributed in the lover of the tlieatro to members of tho audience.

The Whirl of Mirth Revue, with Mr. George Ward tho chief funmakor, will end its season at tho St. James fheat.ro this*evening and in its departure) with the Charleston Svmphonists, oue of the finest jazz bands which has appeared under the. Fuller management will bo missed by Auckland audiences. Ihe St. James will now ho vnv.aut until'next Saturday evening.

Mr, George Wallaco will direct the activities of the new'revue company which will 'open a season at tho St. James Theatre uext Saturday evening. Tho Fuller management continue to rely on its old and trusted comedians and there can bo no'doubt that Sir. Wallaco has in Auckland a large following, which should ensute the stay of his company at, the St. Ja.mes* well over the holiday period. He will have the support of a company of versatile artists.

The latest musical comedy likely to prove a Broadway success—and, consequently, in most other parts of the world —is "" Treasure Girl," which is playing in the American provincial towns, preparatory to its New York opening. Miss Gertrude Lawrence, tlie Canadian actress, who is an established favourite in London musical comedy, has tlie leading , The plav, containing a great deal of comedy and nob a little legitimate drama, is said to provide something strikingly unusual for musical comedy.

Mi3S Marie Hey, tho New Zealand actress, continues her successful career in London. " She Stoops to Conquer has concluded its run, and from Kate Hardcastl* in Goldsmith's play, Miss Ney has gone to tho part of Tilburina in a revival of Sheridan's "Tho Critic." Her performance, only ono' rernovo from seriousness, in a burlesquo play within a play, has drawn high praiso from London critics. Indeed, tho dramatic critic of the Evening Xows classes her as ono of the great actresses ot tho nest few" years. " Miss Ney has already displayed quite extraordinary versatility," lie said. "In Shnkesperean tragedy, or in comedy, she is equally at home."

Under tho Fuller management, Miss Betty Ross Clarke and Mr. Basil Radford, who wero last hero together in M The "Ghost Train," will commence' a tour of New Zealand at Dunedin shortly, in " The Mystery Bride," described as a mystery drama with a fair dash of comedy added. Tho comedy, of course, will fall naturally to the lot of Mr. Radford,, a lively comedian, who appeared to advantage in the Ben Travers farces at His Majesty's Theatre earlier this year. Two other players, " When Knights Were Bold," and the farce, " Tons of Money," will ho produced during the tour. Tho company should be at the St. James' in March.

Commencing the second week of their Auckland season on Wednesday evening, tho '' Midnight Frolics," at His Majesty's Theatre, confirmed the impression that their four weeks' stay is likely to prove alt too short. This is a rovue which sets a ttandard very high and which, in Auckland, at any rate, lias never failed to live up to it. Perhaps tho greatest reason for tho permanent success which seems the prerogative af the " Midnight Frolics " is that no member of tho company is allowed to rely 'on reputationThis applies to all, even to (hat archcomedian, Mr. Clem Dawc. Ho lias ever something new to give. The "Midnight Frolics" will conclude their Auckland season on January 7, and after playing in the other three centres will tour tho leading provincial towns of both islands. A return season in Wellington is provided for and it is to bo hoped that Edgely and Dawo's merry band will also pay another visit to Auckland before their return to Australia.