THEATRICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21100, 6 February 1932, Page 9 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES.

Oscar Strauss has written no finer comic opera than " The Chocolate Soldieij which will be played at tile Melbourne Theatre Royal, following the " Smbad the Sailor " pantomime. With its fascinating melodies, a story by the brilliant. Bernard Shaw and a company of good " The Chocolate Soldier " will be a muMcal Ireat. Added interest will accrue because Miss Gladys MoncriefE will make her appearance in the role of Nadina. which affords her voice unique vocal opportunities. Miss Moncrieff is suic to arouse enthusiasm early in the performance in " My Hero," one of the glorious nirs that made the opera iamous. lhe picturesque Bulgarian chorus and the concerted singing in each act will he special features of the production, which will he under the direction of ill". Lhailes Wenman.

Tim Auckland Little Theatre Society will launch its 1932 sea:,on with a production of "The Constant Nymph." '1 his Ls good news, for it shows that the society is putting its best foot forward and intends to present the class of play which will appeal to the great majority of members. " The Constant Nymph " was produced in Sydney for a week by the Fition Amateur Society and ran for live weeks, a wonderful achievement for an amateur production. The local production will be presented at His Majesty s Theatre, where the society will be able to do full justice to the necessary stagnip. Another new departure will bo the rehearsing of two distinct companies of equal merit, so that ill case of illness, or other accidents, there can be no hitch at even the last moment. This company will appear at the matinee, which is another welcome innovation, .Miss .Margaret Rawlings, the brilliant and beautiful young artist who is going to Australia to play the lead in " 'lho Barretts of Wimpolu Street," which will be presented by J. C. Williamson an early date, has been well known ill England for some years in connection with the Bernard Shaw Repertoire Company, and has also toured Canada with Maurice Colbourne, playing the leads in " ( andida," " Arms and the Man." " Man and Superman," and " lite Doctors Dilemma." Iler principal London appearances have been in Oscar Wilde, s " Salome," and the leading role in " The Venetian," which character she created both in London and in New York. Prior to that she was in " Doubt" at the Lyceum, " Caviare "• at the "Little Theatre. "The Fanatics." "Chance Acquaintance." and with Owen Nares in " The Last Chapter." Miss Rawlings also was engaged to play the Anna May Wong part in " On the Spot ' for the French version, and played in Paris in this Edgar Wallace production. Mr. Gabriel Toyne, the well-known author and producer, has been engaged by J. (•. Williamson to produce " The. Barretts of Wimpole Street " in Australia.