THEATRICAL NOTES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21462, 8 April 1933, Page 10 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES

COMING PRODUCTIONS Concert Chamber: April 26 and 27.—Catholic Repertory Society, "A Hundred Years Old." His Majesty's Theatre: April 15.—Frank Neil revuo season reopens. Lewis Eady Hall: April 12.—Garrick Dramatic Society, " A Doll's House." THEATRE AND CONCERT HALL The producer, Mr. Gaston Mervale, has now announced his cast for the Catholic Repertory Society's production, " A Hundred Years Old," to be presented in tho Town Hall Concert Chamber on April 26 and 27. Tho following well-known players will appear:—Misses Kathleen Gilbert, Marie Drysdale, Flora Shenkin, Edna Craig and Edith Rosser, and Messrs. Chas. Archer, Allan McSkimming, E. Bathurst, J. G. Boyle, J. Sharp, and Leo O'Malley. The play is one of Quintero's most delightful comedies. There is still doubt whether the Bohemian Orchestra will be able to continue this year. Financial difficulties caused the executive great concern last year, and an investigation is at present being carried out into the amount of definite support likely to be given this year. The Bohemian Orchestra has for so long occupied a prominent place in Auckland's musical life that the suggestion of its ceasing, even temporarily, to function seems almost incredible. At present various plans are being discussed for giving tho orchestra a more definitely representative standing and title as Auckland's only symphony orchestra.

A programme representative of Brahms' finest work will bo given in commemoration of the Brahms' Centenary by the. Auckland Society of Musicians at an invitation concert in the Lewis Eady Hall, on Sunday afternoon, May 7. The items so far arranged include tho quintette in F Minor, played by Miss Ina BosAvortli, first violin; Miss Lois Walls, second violin; Miss Amy Stevenson, viola; Miss Lala Hemus, cello; Miss Dora Judson, piano; the Sonata in E Minor for cello and piano, played by Miss L. Hemus and Miss Judson; songs by Mrs. Cyril Towsey; and a pianoforte solo, not yet definitely selected, to be played by Miss Rona Richardson. Introductory remarks on the composer's life and works will be given by Mr. Maughan Barnett.

A wide variety of plays is included in the productions scheduled for tho year 1933 by the Garrick Dramatic Society. Notably among these are " Loyalty," by Galsworthy; " The Apple Cart," by G. B. Shaw;" The Constant Wife," by Somerset Maugham; Goldsmiths' deiightful costume play, " She Stoops to Conquer;" tho exciting mystery play "77 Park Lane," by Walter Hackett; and the Shakespearean comedy, " Twelfth Night." The initial production of the year is to be the immortal Ibsen's " Doll's House," which will be presented by the society at the Lewis Eady Hall, on April 12, at 8 p.m. The society's producer for the season is Miss Raie Robinson and the committee members include Miss S. Jones, Miss Antonia Martinengo, Mr. Rex Sayers and Mr. Eric Middleton.

One of the new features of Frank Neil's big new musical revue, " The Laugh Parade," which opens at His Majesty's Theatre on Easter Saturday, will be the five famous Cleveres, whirlwind acrobats. The Cleveres come direct from the London Paladium, under engagement to Mr. Neil for an extended Australasian tour. One of the star performers is little Master Clevere, who is known on the Continent as the world's smallest acrobatic clown. In addition to being an amazingly clever acrobat, this little boy possesses a keen sense of humour, and his very appearance dressed in the traditional garments of the time honoured clown never fails to evoke roars of laughter. This is one of the many features in tho " Laugh Parade " that will especially appeal to the children, and Mr. Neil has arranged that there will be special matinees held daily during Easter week, when children will be admitted to all parts at half rates.

The play to ho produced this year by tho Auckland University College is "Jubilade," a musical extravaganza, by Mr. J. A. E. Mulgan. It is written in a style similar to that of Noel Coward's " Cavalcade," and traces tho history of tho university between tho years 1883 and 1933. Although tho play is not a musical comedy, music has been made a featuro throughout, and topical choruses are introduced into practically every scene. The preliminary rehearsals are now in progress under tho direction of Mr. J. A. S. Coppard, and tho cast includes Misses Rose Perez, Jean Alison, Rona Munro and Phoebe Norris, and Messrs. Lan Moir, J. Hudson, S. White, R. Spragg, 1). Milliken, A. Stubbs, M. Reyburn, L. Solon, P. Postlewaite, B. Rtidman and E. Yorke. " Jubilade " will bo performed at His Majesty's Theatre in conjunction with the University jubilee celebrations toward tho end of May.

Dante the Magician, formerly wellknown in Australia as Tho Great Jansen, is packing tho Theatre Royal, Sydney, where ho is unfolding his wizardry, under the management of J. C. Williamson Limited. Dante, who has brought with him his complete company, has travelled the world three times since he last appeared in Australia. Asked what his most famous feat was, he replied:. "Filling a-theatre!"