THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20366, 21 September 1929, Page 10 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES.

COMING PRODUCTIONS.

Els Majesty's. Now Playing. Westminster Gleo Singers (Last Night)] October B.—" No. 17 " and " Dracula." Movembei lb.— I'tie L>esort Song. 'To Follow—" The Flying Squad " (Leon Gordon).

St. James* Now Playing.—" Tlio Rita." September 27.—Nicola, the Magician. To Follow.— Jim Gerald's Revue Com pany.

Coining.—Elsie Prince and Jimmy God den in musical comedy. Town Hall Concert Chamber. September 26-28. —" Tlio Scrape o' the Pen," St. Andrew's Society.

PLAYS AND PLAYERS.

There has been a postponement of the opening date for Mr. Jim Gerald's revue season at the St. James' Theatre. Following tho " Rio Rita " season, Nicola, tho magician, will occupy the theatre for a fortnight, commencing nest Friday. The over popular Mr. Gerald will commence his tenancy of the theatre—and it may easily bo a record tenancy—on October 11.

" The Desert Song." the spectacular J. C. Williamson musical play, opened its New Zealand tour in Wellington last Wednesday evening, when it was Riven a great reception. Everything seems to point, to a most successful season, and. as the plav is to visit all thf> southern centres before its Auckland presentation, it would not be surprising if the local opening occurred later than November 36,. which is tho tentative date. The leading roles are taken by Mr. Lance Fairfax, Mr. Herbert Browne, Mr. Herbert Mundin, and Miss Roroola Hanson.

, Tho Westminster Glee Singers will give tho final performance of their Auckland tea sou at. His Majesty's Ihe&tro this / t eveninc. It has been rumoured that this mav be the lust occasion on which Mr. Edward Branscombe's famed organisation will visit New Zealand. It is to be hoped that this is nothing more than a Tumour, as artists of the calibre of the Westminster Glee Pincers are not to be heard every day. During the last week they have given a large number of Auckland music lovers a raro musical treat, and they can be assured of a warm wel- . come if "ever they return.

/ Sydnev has given a great reception to Mr. Leo' Cari'.lo, the brilliant Broadway actor, who was engaged by the Williamson management to play in " Lombardi, Limited." the comedy which he made an outstanding '* hit" in New York. The first night was a triumphant success, and the enthusiasm of the audience was so great that Mr. Canllo was forced to break from precedent and make a speech at the closo of tho second act. " ' Lombardi, Limited,' and Leo Carillo arc here to givo Australia something new in comedy entertainment," said one <;ritic. _ " They succeed to perfection." The Now Zealand tour of the play will bo awaited with interest.

The next attraction at His Majesty's Theatre will he the production of two " thrillers," Jefferson Farjeon's " No. 17 " arid " Dracula," by a Williamson /company, headed by Mr. Nat Madison. Both plays have enjoyed successful seasons in Sydney, the weird " Dracula" in particular having stood the test of " talkie " competition remarkably well. It will bp a pleasure to welcome back Mr. Madison. His appearances here with bis father, Mr. Maurice Moscovitch, have earned him a considerable reputation, and according to Australian critics his work is now stronger and more complete. Other members of the company who arc well , known here are Mr. Ashton Jarry, Miss Mary Macgregor, and Miss Bertha Riccardo.

" Rio Rifa " is now entering on the last week of its triumphant season at the /St.. James' Theatre. It is no ordinary musical comedy, but a colourful affair ■with tuneful singing, bright comedy and dancing which equals the best ever seen on the local stage. Indeed, the ballets in " Rio Rita " are an entertainment in themselves. The season ends definitely next Thursday evening, and the company will leave for Sydney the following day The future movements of its members Bro not definite, but Miss Janet Gilmore. at any rate, intends returning to New / York. It is to be hoped that the Fuller management will find another vehicle for the talents of Miss Gladys Moncrieff. /' She is still the finest musical comedy ginger in this part of the world. Owing to unforseen difficulties, the St. Andrew's Society is unable to givo the first performance of " A Scrape o' the Pen " at the Town Hall Concert Chamber next Wednesday evening... .The opening has been postponed until next Thursday, and tho season nf Graham Moffntf's successful Scottish comedy will be limited to three nights. The play will bo inter- / preted by the following cast under the capable direction of Mr. Kenneth Brampi ton Plora M'Gilp ----- Kiln IV. MacCullay. ?£ppie Oliphant Injelis - Marparet I]. Bruce '! Mrs. Baikio ------- Margaret Howie. Geordie Poiv . ... . Geo. G. Sricer. Hush Menzies Alex A. Murray vAS Shepherd - W. Leecat. Leezie InKlis Betty Budere. Jean Lowther - Lilian Luuton. Peter Dalkeith Gordon Soence Taffy Knot Mollio Burce. -Miss Pringle . - - - - - Isahello MacCullav. Bennie Scott ....... .Winifred Rukbijll. Alec In Kb'a John Shields. Bridesmaid ....... Margaret Leo