THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20988, 26 September 1931, Page 10 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES.

COMING PRODUCTIONS. Town Hall: This Evening.—Concert, by Marglierita Zelanda, coloratura soprano. His Majesty's: October.—" A Greek Slave," to be presented by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society. Coming.—Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. "On tho Spot " and " Loyalties " (Frank Harvey). Later.—" Follow Through," " Mr. Cinders " (J. C. Williamson Musical Company). PLAYS AMD PLAYERS. The return of Dorothy Brunton lo Melbourne, when she made her appearance at the i'heaUe Koyal, after an absence of six years, in " The Duchess of Dantzic," was a memorable theatrical event. L'laygoers commenced lo gather in the theatre vestibule at 8 o'clock in the morning and during the afternoon were provided with afternoon tea by the J. C. Williamson, Limited, management, while Dorothy Bnniton also " dropped in " for a chat to the patient enthusiasts, who had provided themselves with nigs and stools. The keen interest in Miss Brunton's reappearance. and the affectionate regard in which she is held were indicated by (he fact that over a hundred telegrams of good wishes and greetings were received j by the actress from every part of Aus- ; tralia.

It was by way of Gilbert and Sullivan operas that Ethel Morrison, now in " A Warm Corner " at llie Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, entered upon a stage career She had studied at the Pvoyal Academy of Music, London, for a concert career, and had already had some success on the concert platform. On one occasion she sang before Queen Alexandra, at a big charity concert in London. She holds it as a great privilege to have studied under Gilbert, who took her through all the contralto parts himself. " A martinet, but a wonder," is how Miss Morrison describes him. She appeared in Gilbert's last work, " The Fallen Fairies," which had only a short London season. Miss Morrison regards chorus work as a far better opening to a stage career than the hasty beginnings of many girls to-day, who do not regard their work seriously enough.

Cecil Kelleway originally came to Australia to appear in comedy, but he went into musical plays and has been identified with this branch of stage work ever sipce. Now, however, ho is largely responsible for the fun in " A Warm Corner," the latest London stage success, at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne. Mr. Kelleway has the distinction of being the only actor not of Jewish origin who has taken the role of Hawruss Perhnulter in the "Potash and Perlmutter " plays. In Johannesburg, where the population includes a large percentage of Jewish people, he appeared with great success. After the first night of " Potash and Perlmutter," Mr. Kelleway was waited on by several prominent members of the Jewish community and thanked for having given a realistic and lifelike performance without the exaggeration which would have made it offensive.

Frank , Harvey, now in "My Lady's Dress " at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, is the son of a notable old-time figure on the English stage. His fathei was Frank Harvey—actor, author and playwright. It is claimed for him that he was the originator of the domestic drama in England. Some of his plays were popular in Australia years ago. They were produced by the late Charles Holloway and included " The Wages of Sin," "Shall We Forgive Her?" "The Land of the Living " and " The Milestones of Life " —to mention only a fow. In America, the dramatist was known as " Wages of Sin " Harvey, that play having an immense vogue throughout the States. Frank Harvey himself has written several plays and sketches, one of his most notable successes being achieved with " Cape Forlorn," in which he played the leading role in both stage and screen productions. Frank Harvey, senior, was the first manager to four companies in England and was the first actor to portray a parson on the English stage.

Associated with Dorothy Brunton in " Dearest Enemy " at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, will lie a lengthy cast, including Cecil Kolleway, Alfred Fritli, Frank Bradley, Maidie Hope, Romola Hansen, John Wood, Herbert Browne, Sidney Wheeler, Sidney Burchall and others, together with big chorus and ballet. "Dearest Enemy " is a spectacular play, glowing with colour in costume and stage setting, especially at the reception given in a stately mansion, which makes one of the big scenes in a play characterised by elaborate staging. Dorothy Brunton will have one of her best roles in " Dearest Enemy " —a whimsical Irish girl, Betsy Burke, full of fun and mischief. She makes her first appearance in most unusual circumstances —dressed in a bajrel! There is a charming love story, and the three acts contain many delightful musical numbers, including " When Hearts are' Young," " Bye and Bye," " Cheerio " arid one of the most popular and successful numbers ever written—" Here in My Arms." The play will be produced by Frederick Blackmail. As several plays are to be staged during this season, in order to present Dorothy Brunton in her best rolos, each will be given a limited run. These pieces include " The Girl in the Taxi," " Dorothy," " The Merry Widow and " Florodora."-