THEATRICAL NOTES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21716, 3 February 1934, Page 9 (Supplement)

THEATRICAL NOTES

COMING PRODUCTIONS His Majesty's Theatre: February 10.—Anglo-Australian Musical Comedy Company, " Dream Girl." , Town Hall Concert Chanber; February 14.—Farewell Concert to Miss Ruth Scott. Ladles' College, Remuerai February 24.—Open-air production of " As You Like It." THEATRE AND CpNCERT HALL x r " Tschaikowskv's Symphony No. 4, in F Minor, played by the Philadelphia Symphony orchestra under Leopold Stokowski, will be the major work to be broadcast from IYA at 2 p.m. tomorrow. Although the work has not been accepted as on the same plane as Tschaikowsky's fifth and sixth symphonies, it is nevertheless typical of the composer's rich and vivid orchestration, and his sombre imaginative power. The Gisborne Repertory Society will open its season with " Baby Cyclone," a comedy by Geo. M. Cohan, on March 1. A strong cast has been chosen, and Mr. Frederic E. McCallum, of the Auckland Little Theatre Society, has been retained to direct the comedy. The Poverty Bay society has a strong following, and an interesting programme of plays is set down for the year's work. Mr. McCallum will return to Auckland after the season to undertake the Little Theatre's first production, which will be presented some time in April. Miss Ruth Scott, a native of Hamilton, but for some years past living in Auckland, loaves for Australia on February 22 to pursue her musical studies under Mr. Roland Foster. When Mr. Foster heard Miss Scott in New Zealand some timo ago he was greatly impressed with her voice and its possibilities, and strongly urged her to take up her studies seriously, and now, after several disappointments, the Auckland girl's ambition has been achieved, and her studies are to begin under the happiest auspices. A farewell complimentary concert is being tendered to Miss Scott at the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Wednesday, February 14. Miss Scott will be remembered by many for her vivacious work as " Serpolette " in the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society's production, . " Les Cloches de Corneville," last year.

Miss Ruth Scott, well known on the Auckland amateur stage, who is to leave for Sydney this month to continue her musical studies. —Tornquist Studio

Great satisfaction with the quality of New Zealand entrants for the singing scholarship established by the Melba Conservatorium, Melbourne, was expressed during the week bv Miss Mary Campbell, who conducted the tests. She swid that while the conditions of the scholarship did not make it available to very singer, nevertheless the standard of the competitors she had heard was good both as regards tone, quality, and interpretative understanding. The scholarship was won by Miss Hinemoa Rosieur. Good entries are also being received tor Mr. Walter lmpett's scholarships for ladies' voices, male voices, and pianoforte. Entries close next Thursday. J. C. Williamson, Limited, have arranged to produce a new musical comedy by the young Australian composer "and playwright, Jack O'Hacan. The title is " Night-Night Mitzi. It has been adapted from the play, " Nightie-Night," by Mr. O'Hagan, who has written the book, lyrics and music. " Nightie Night " was staged in Australia some years ago, the English comedian Joe Coyne, appearing in the leading role under the J. C. Williamson management. The company at present appearing in Gay Divorce,' at the King's Theatre, w,ll appear m the new play, the cast including Billy Milton, Iris Rirkwhite, Gus Bluett, Leo Franklvn, Madge Aubrey, I'rank Leighton, Mona Potts, and others. Iho producer will be Mr. Charles A. Wenman. An arrangement has been made by J C. Williamson, Limited, with African Theatres, Limited, whereby a succession of attractions will no brought from London, artists engaged, for presentation in South Africa and Australia. J. C. Williamson, Limited, have had business relations of this sort with African Theatres, Limited during the past few years, and at the present time the firm is producing " Rose Marie," and " Desert Song in that country after a very successful season with the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. J. C. Williamson have be<nm the organisation of a company to" appear in "Ton Minute Alibi, which has passed its 400 th performance in London; Ivor Novello's " Fresh Fields," and Dodie Smith's " Service. In addition to English artists, the company will include several Australians. A New Zealand season is also contemplated ; What is it that makes San Francisco the present world's centre of the production of child music prodigies, asks an American writer? Is it climate. Is it beautiful scenery? Is it accident. Is it the competition that has been set up among San Franciscan youngsters because so great a number of precocious talents have Avon popular honour here ? One theory may be as good as another. The fact remains that in the past decade only three child prodigies in the world have been greeted with first-class world acclaim, and they are all San Franciscans —Yehudi Menuhin and Ruggiero Ricci, violinists, and Ruth Julia Slenczyski, eight-year-old pianist. Ruth Julia has returned, from three years of study abroad, and recently gave a concert in her home city, her selections including Beethoven's "Patlietique " sonata; Bach's D Minor " Chromed Eantasy and Fugue," and a Clio/in group.