THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20982, 19 September 1931, Page 10 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES.

COMING PRODUCTIONS. His Majesty's: Coming.—Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. " On the Spot " and " Loyalties " (Frank Harvey). Later.—" Follow Through," " Mr. Cinders " (J. C. Williamson Musical Company). PLAYS AND PLAYERS. '• The Sons o' Guns " company, which returned to Sydney from New Zealand recently, has been disbanded. Of the principals, Gus Bluett is to leave shortly for England, and Miss Bertha Riccardo will go to tho United States to obtain engagements there. George Wallaco was once advised to take up cricket. He did, to some little extent, and to date his average indicates somebody had been handing out a lot of wrong information regarding his skill. His performances to date arc as follows: Mullaloes v. Theatre Royal, 0 (retired hurt) ; Newcastle v. Theatre Royal, 0 (clean bowled); Jockeys v. Theatre Royal, 0 (caught); Unemployed v. Theatre Royal, 0 (sat on wicket ); Girl Guides v. Theatre Royal, 0 (clean bowled) ; Infants' School v. Theatre Royal, 0 (stumped); Invalids' Home v. Theatre Royal, 0 (run out). After a long period of depression there are definite signs of a return to favour of variety in England. In recent reports from London it is stated that variety is being featured by all the leading music halls—and this in the heat of tho summer, too. A feature of the turn in events is that there is a grave possibility of a shortage of actors. Many artists who formerly walked the streets are now reported to be enjoying the heights of prosperity and affluence. This reaction has already spread to Australia, where several vaudeville companies havo been successfully inaugurated. The movement is progressing steadily, and every mail, brings word of some new venture for tho legitimate stage. Elaborate preparations aro being made to ensure tho successful presentation in Auckland of " A Greek Slave," to be staged at His Majesty's Theatre late in October l>y the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society. Tlic play has been secured by special arrangement with J. G. Williamson, Limited, and gives wonderful scopo for tho spectacular type of production which has always been the fort© of this ambitious society. Mr. Colin Muston, who has been associated -with tho society in many of its past successes, is musical director for the production and particularly fine chorus work is anticipated. Mr. T. Tresize, the producer, has to his credit the production for the society of •" Tho Belle of New York," "■ Floradora,' ' " Arcadians," " Conn try "Girl " and " Our Miss Gibbs." From an early age tin? career of Margherila Zel.inda, the young Dunedin coloratura soprano, who will give recitals in Auckland next week, has been a remarkablo one. She commenced her musical education at St. Joseph's Convent at the age of seven k and during her school days was something of a prodigy, both as a singer and as a pianist. After qualifying for various musical examinations, she went to Sydney as soloist for tho New South Wales Stale Orchestra, wheu it was under the conductorship of Henri Verbruggen, and while there she studied at the Sydney Conservatorium under Madame Slapoffski. Miss Zelanda .subsequently went to Italy, where she continued her studies in grand opera work at Palermo and Milan. Her voice was likened by Manlio Babagnoli, tho great Milan maestro, to that of Adelina Patti.' Her voice is said to bo ono of great flexibility and golden purity, and she will present a most extensive repertoire.