THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20252, 11 May 1929, Page 10 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES.

COMING PRODUCTIONS. fiis Majesty's. Now Playing—" The Wrecker." May 15—" The Midnight Frolics " (Return Season), St. James'. Now Playing—George Wallace Revue. May 17—" The King of Kawau," (University Students). May 25—Pat Raima's " Diggers." July 8—" Rio Rita." To Follow—Frank O'Brien's " Revellers " \ Town Hall. May 16 _ " Mai itaua." (Auckland Choral Society. PLAYS AND PLAYERS. The incomparable Pavlova, supported by her European company, is at present delighting Sydney audiences with her matchless dancing, lhe season there had to bo extended, but as her contract with J. C. Williamson, Limited, is only for a short season, Pavlova should be seen tiere shortly. Remembered for her brilliant work as Wanda in " Rose Marie," Miss Stephanie Deste will not bo seen in Auckland in its successor, " The Desert Song. Her contract with J. C. Williamson, Limited, has terminated, and her place has been tajten by Miss Sonya Rosonova, a newcomer to Australia.

The students ot the Auckland University College will present their annual musical farce at tho St. James' Theatre for a week's season next Friday evening. " The King of Kawau" is this year's production, and it promises to be quite up to the usual standard of hilarity. There will be the usual wealth of local " gags" and several original songs. The ballets have been specially trained by Valeska.

The Auckland Choral Society will open its season at the Town Hall next 1 bursday evening with a presentation of Wallace's opera, " Maritana." This is a most melodious work, abounding in passages of undying popularity, and should give great scope for massed singing as well as for the Voices of the soloists, Miss Kate Campion, M. Clague, Mr. Lambert Harvey, Mr. Geof. Colledge and Mr. E. Thomas.

, Mr. George Wallace's long tenancy of the St. James' Theatre is now drawing to a close. The record-breaking revue season will close definitely next Ihursday evening, and it would take no prophet to predict that the final audience will witness a gala performance. Throughout his long season Mr. Wallace's personal popularity has never waned and he has worked wonders with his company. He can be assured of a warm welcome When next he returns to Auckland.

Another Australian girl is being given her chance to make good in spectacular musical comedy. Miss Lillian Crisp, who played here recently with the " Midnight Frolics,'' has been given the role of Kathie, opposite Mr. James Liddy, ill the Melbourne revival cf " The Student Prince.' : She has a delightful voice for musical comedy—her singing of "My Hero" from "The Chocolate Soldier" was definite proof of this—and she only needs to show the necessary acting ability to he assured of a most successful future. lAucklanders will watch her career witn ' interest.

" The Wrecker," • Arnold Ridley's railway mystery play at His Majesty's Theatre, is proving vastly entertaining. It 5s -well cast, and, more than that, it is produced with the very expert assistance of what must be a young army of stage mechanists. The noises off stage are almost unbelievably realistic, and one could almost wish for a few additional notes in the programme along the lines of the announcement which herald the opening scenes of a super-film from Hollywood. Those responsible for the realistic atmosphere are deserving of credit. " The Wrecker" is playing only a short season, and the final Auckland performance will be given on Tuesday evening.

The ever-popular " Midnight Frolics" will pay a short return visit to Auckland next week, opening a season of eight nights at His Majesty's Theatre on Wednesday. Mr. Clem Dawe in form—and he never seems out of form—this company is always assured of a warm welcome in 'Auckland, but a new comer will be welcomed back on Wednesday evening. This is Miss Mona Magnet, an English comedienne of note, who was last here with the " Peep Show." Slie has never before been associated with the " Midnight Frolics," but she has been associated with Mr. Dawe and Mr. Eric Edgeley. as they made • one of their earliest successes in .New Zealand in that bright revue. This may be the last appearance of the " Midnight Frolics" in Auckland, as Mr. Dawe is thinking of trying out his comic talents in some new medium. It would be a rare treat to see him in a good musical comedy part.