THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20560, 10 May 1930, Page 10 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES.

COMING PRODUCTIONS,

His Majesty's. May 17.—" .AH Quiet on the Water front" (Auckland University College Students) Coining.—" Murder 011 tho Second Floor," " The Flying Squad" (Leon Gordon); " The Five O'Clock Girl" and ' Hold Everything," " Love Lies' (Clem Dawo). tfown Hall. doming.—Madame Florence Austral (Operatic Soprano); Jan 'lvubclik (violinist). PLAYS AND PLAYERS. Associated v;ith Gladys Moncrieff as Sonia in " Tho Merry Widow" revival in Australia, is Michael Cole, a very dashing and likeable Princo Danilo, playing tho important role for the first timo. iWith the celebrated star are also Arthur Stiganfc in his old role of Baron Popoff, Herbert Browno as de Jolidon (a wonderful si aging part for ..tho favourite silvervoiceol tenor), and Gus Bluett, in his performance as Nisch.

Edith Taliaferro, one of the best known actresses on tho American stago, will commence a season at the Criterion Theatro in Sydney next Saturday. "Let Us Be Gay" is I lie first play to be presented, and it will be'followed by "The Command To Love," " Strictly Dishonourable" and "Her Cardboard Lover." The following week will witness tho first Australian concert of Madame Florence Austral, who will open a season of seven recitals at the Sydney Town Hall under (he direction of E. J. Carroll. It is expected that Madame Austral will make a tour of NeW Zealand later.

Jan Kubelik, tho great violinist, who is second only to Kreisler and lleifetz, and l>y soirio regarded as second only to Kreisler, will make a tour of Australia and New' Zealand, commencing in l'ertli on May 22. The tour will bn ono of tho most comprehensive yet undertaken by any visiting concert artist of world fame, as it will consist of 150 recitals. Kubelik, who is 50 years of age, was born atMichle, in Bohemia,.and was educated at tho Prague Conservatoire. Ho has toured extensively since 1898, covering the chief cities in Europe, America and Australia. He will bo accompanied on tho present tour by the pianist. Otta Hasa.

Aucklanders, who arc too far from tho centre of things to find many allusions to themselves in dramatic or literary works, have.come to'depend on the extravaganza of the Auckland University College to provide them with an annual budget of topicalities. - This year's production, "All Quiet on the Waterfront," which will commence a season at His Majesty's Theatro on Saturday, should serve this purpose admirably. Public men are pilloried'in the usual light-hearted student fashion, while both the-lyrics and the dialogue contain any number of amusing references to public affairs. Mr. J. Nigel Wilson and Dr. J. C. Andrews, are the authors, and Mr. J. A. S. Coppard is the producer.

For tho musical extravaganza, " All Quiet, on tho Waterfront," produced by tho Auckland University College students, tho following cast has been arranged:—

Strong Whacli Sam .... J. Don Krew Chen - L. Smith Ah Sprin - • - 11. E. L. Aubin San Sope -- - A. J. E. McLean The Emporor Hi Turn Turn - • C. Laurie Amelia Higgins E. Brodie "William Shakespeare -- - A. H. H. B'ryer-Raisber Benjamin Bunsen ... - R. p. A. Grey William Goodbellow -- - . L. E. Williama Cowpor S. G. White Betty Batter (Vitamin B) ' Uis9 Joan Hcnkin Cherry Cheese (Vitamin C) ....... Alisa Jean MncCormick Delauney Hornpipe J. C. Huy tn " Lovo Lies" which is to introduco Clem Dawe in his first sustained comedy role, there tire plenty oi action, any amount of,good singing, startlinc dance effects, and dressing that is a revelation to even the sophisticated playgoer. In tho London production, two Australians, Madgo Elliott and Cyril Ritchard, scored astounding success. New Zealanders will remember tho faultless poise and dainty charm of Miss Elliott, in numerous Williamson musical comedies throughout the Dominion, and the agility and attention to detail of her partner, Mr. Ritchard. It was then predicted - that two such dancers could break into London, despite the countless exponents of tho art of terpsichore already known on tho English boards. That they have is sure proof of that assertion, for to-day the pair are much sought after; they have accomplished some wonderful dance creations. Even English critics, who are notoriously hard to. please, have hailed them. ' Called tho Peki- Fr.n of tha Australian ctago. Nellie Stewart, bflloved of older tSvaatre-poer?.' and a source of amazement for the youiigftr generation, who astounded at. 'ht perennial youth, has made a sensational .rrfuni" to the sfrs.g»,- s» the xdtr itulfc roJo. f,t Margherita Os. wlhu.-i, a ranovvjtjed opim.- singer oi a dubious past who cusr-es -siu unsophisticated rector to lal! madly ir 'or; with her. The piece. ' Jtoiaancft," was first introduces! at the Comedy Royal last month, and was a notable revival with strict attention to detail that has always character ised the finished work of tho beautiful star. Moro than 28 years have passed since the idol of tho Australian stage played her famous role of " Sweet Nell of Old Drury;" some of her most remark able characterisations havo been in " La Fills du Tambour Major," under George Musgrove's direction in 1880; then in " Patience," three years later, and even Rackstraw, the tenor part, in tho popular Gilbert and Sullivan' opera, at tho old ».t. George's Hall, Sydney Surely a tribute to the versatility and charm of the beloved actress. If the play "Romance" comes to New Zealand, as it is honed will bo (he case, Miss Sfowart is assured of a hearty welcome. Messrs J. 0 Wil hamson are planning to bring tho entire company across.