THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20324, 3 August 1929, Page 10 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES.

COMING PRODUCTIONS. Bis Majesty's. Novembei 16.—" The Desert Song." To Follow—" Tho Flying Squad " (Leon Gordon), " Tigs," and " Apple sauce." St. James'. Now Playing—Frank O'Brian's "Ro vellei.H." 'August 23.—" Rio Rita." To Follow.—"Jim Gerald's Revue Company. Town Hall Concert Chamber. {September 25-28.—" The Scrape o' tho Pen," St. Andrew's Society. PLAYS AND PLAYERS. M Brewster's Millions" will bo the next play for Mr. Leon Gordon at tho Theatre Royal. Sydney. Mr. Gordon has been appearing with great success in Edgar Wallace ' thrillers." " Laff That Off" fol lows ."The Perfect Alibi" at tho Criterion, played by the same company, with Miss Ruth Nugent and Mr. Allen Bunco in the leading roles.

Tn spite of tho fact that the " talkie ;version of " Coquette" is now introducing a bobbed and talking Mary Pickford to audiences throughout Australia, J C. Williamson, Limited, announco that they will present tho stage version shortly. The firm recently staged the production in London, with Miss Helen Ford in tho leading role.

A drami about pirates, which Bayard "Veiller, the American author of " The Trial of Mary Dugan," has composed m collaboration with Miss Becky Gardiner, seems destined to have its first showing in London. Sir Gerald du Maurier will havo the leading role in tho piece, and a premiere is likely to take place early iri August. Mr. Veiller recently left New York for London to attend rehearsals of the drama.

Previous concerts by the Puccini Musical Society, under tho able direction of Signor Constantini, havo been most successful. . Tho society has somo notable tingfers among its members, and, assisted by Miss Ina Bosworth, Miss Molly Wright, and Mr Cyril Towsey, will give another classical concert at the lowu Hall/ next Thursday evening. The proceeds will bo devoted to the Mayor's earthquake fund.

That fine combination, the Westminster Giee/ Singers, is to return to New Zea land shortly. This information comes from Mr Leo du Chateau, who returned to New Zeaiand from Australia by tho Aorangi at thy beginning of tho week to arrange details for the tour. Mr. till Chateau went to Australia with Sir Harry Lauder, who did not suffer from !" talkio " competition in any of tho cities ho visited. Sir Harry has now left, Australia to make a tour of the TJnited States, after which ho will return to London to make " talkies for a British company.

Definite dates have now been, arranged for tho New Zealand tour of the brilliant musical play, '"iho Desert Song." It ■will open its tour with a Wellington season commencing on September 10, and, after visiting the other cities and provincial centres, will play at Auckland from November 16 to December 5. lhe Desert Song " lias been an immense success in Australia, and the local season can definitely be anticipated as a treat in store. The leading roles are played by Mr. Lance Fairfax, tho New Zealander, and Miss Mario Bremner, who was understudy to Miss Harriett Bennett during the " Rose Marie " season.

After the season of " Rio Rita " at the St. .lames' Theatre, it is more than likely that Auckland will bo favoured with a visit from Mr. Jim Gerald at the head of a new rovue company. Mr. Gerald is undoubtedly one of the finest comedians in Australia and New Zealand to-day, and has always been popular with Auckland audiences. Some lime ago, at the old Opera House, he established the record revue season for Now Zealand, but this, figure was lately eclipsed by Mr. George Wallace at tho St. lt. lt. would'not be surprising to see Mr. Gerald beat even Mr. Wallace's endurance test. He is a prolific comedian and an exceedingly versatile artist. !

Mr. Frank O'Brian and his " Revellers," still enjoying a most successful season at tho St. James* Theatre, have triu in plied over rjuito a little bad luck during their stay in Auckland to date. When Mr. Gordon Norville injured a l<noo in the course of some of his eccentric dancing, the company lost a most versatile artist and it is likely to be somo time beforo Mr. Norville can reMime work. A family bereavement has made it necessary for Mr. Jimmy Downes to leave for Australia, but in spite of theso losses, tho " Revellers" havo not fallen away from tho high standard which they set at the opening of »ho season. Tho fountain of Mr. O'Bnan's comedy apparently can never run dry, and every v,-eek Miss Janice Hart seems to become more firmly established as a public idol.

After a short return visit, to tlio countries where sho first gained theatrical fame, Miss May Beatty, the New Zealand actress whose brilliant career started in the days of the Pollards, is now making another trip to the United States. Miss Beattv returned to play leading roles in tho Williamson musical comedies, Hie Girl Friend ° aii<i 14 Hit tho Deck, anc now with her daughter Hinemoa, who silso appeared in these productions, fitie is on a holiday trip. "Wo arc going to Hollywood," Miss Beatty said, when passing through Auckland on the Aorangi. '• I Would tike to have a look at the • talkies," which are certainly interfering with tho theatrical business in Australia, anil perhaps even to play in them. Miss Boattv is Miss Mabel Gibson, remembered" for her work in Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera.

The long-waited Auckland season of ■" Bio Rita " is now rapidly approaching. With a triumphant record trorn every ir.ity in Australia and New Zealand, this spectacular musical play will be presented at /the St. James' Theatre by the Fuller management on August 23, and it is spfe to predict that in Auckland it will repeat its success. Miss Gladys Moil crieff 'appears in tho leading role, hut although her presence alone would be a great public attraction, the Fullers have taken care riot to soud merely a " onestar " company. Miss Janet Gilmoro, R /young comedienne and dancer, is an artist who can bo commended to Aurk land audiences in advance, and then there is Mr. Davo Mallcn, described in Australia and in southern cities as ono of tho best, comedians who have ever played in this part of the world. In other musical comedies, the Fuller management has set a high standard in ballet ■work, and it is understood that the ballets in " Rio Rita " are an achievement in themselves.