STAGE TRIUMPH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21883, 20 August 1934, Page 12

STAGE TRIUMPH

"J)UBARRY " IN AUCKLAND EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED THEATRICAL LANDMARK EIGHTEENTH CENTURY FRANCE $ < • V In "Tho Dubarry," bo eagerly awaited by Auckland ft packed audience at His Majesty's Iheatro on Saturday night found all its expectations vastly exceeded. No stage spectacle so magnificent, so richly varied or accompanied by such a, wealth of romantic music has been brought to New Zealand for at least a decade.

To find any parallel one must go back to Oscar Asche's production of "Kismet," before the war, and to ' Cairo and "Chu Chin Chow," of later years. Tho comparison oven then is not apt, for these were Oriental pageants. It has been left to "The Dubarry" to glorify the perfumed era of Louis Quinze as never before in this part of tho world. In the ballet nothing to equal it litis been seen since the long-remembered visits of Gcnee and Pavlova.

Altogether "The Dubarry" is a towering landmark in the stage history of New Zealand, and so it will remain, unless, as is possible with tho return of better times, the future holds even more sumptuous feasts in store. There could bo no better proof that, in spite of all the wonders of the talking screen, tho theatre is without a rival in creating a three-dimensional fairyland to fill eye and ear with enchantment and wonder.

In song and dialogue the audienco follows for inoro than three hours the fortunes of Jeanne do Vaubernier, the one-time Parisian milliner, through good aud ill, to her apotheosis as mistress of Louis XV. and uncrowned queen of France. Tho authors keep only a light contact with history, but only an over-critical onlooker could find fault on that account. Although the story is at times sordid and reflects the spirit of a decadent ago, it is carried through in a way that to most people should give little or no offence. "The Dubarry" is not a comedy. The keynote is romance, and its Teutonic origin appears in a certain underlying seriousness, particularly in the music by Karl Millocker, which strongly recalls that of Romberg. Tho Gallic spirit finds its best expression in a lovely ballet to musio by. Ravel. Miss Welling's Success

As the great Dubarry, Miss Sylvia Welling wins a personal triumph. Her role calls for exceptional dramatic gifts and vocal powers of a high order. Most of her solos would tax the abilities of a prima donna. Miss Welling sings them with artistry and sureness that alono would be enough to explain why she was chosen to understudy Miss Anny Ahlers in the London production and to carry the role after tho German star's tragic death. Jeanne is first seen among a bevy of charming girls in tho millinery workroom of Madame Labille, then at her moonlight tryst with the penniless author, Reno Lavallcry (Mr. John DudIcy). In tho garret home of the young pair six months later comes a quarrel and parting through tho intervention of tho elderly C'ointe Dubarry (Leslie Holland). Next Jeanne is found in the shameful establishment of Madame Sauterelle, whence Dubarry rescues her to become his mistress and help him win an income by cheating at cards. At a rout given by La Marechalo de France (Miss J.ean Duncan) she is invited to visit the King (Mr. Richard Parry) and completely wins his heart by her wit and audacity. Her first love reappears, and in a poignant scene she tells him that she has come to love another —not the King, but tho man who is the King. Wonderful Stage Pictures

No description of the scries of tableaux in which this story is presented can give more than a faint idea of their brillianco and opulent colour. All the resources of the modern stage designer s art and of theatrical lighting have been ransacked for the purpose. In every one of the nine scenes there is perfect colour harmony between costumes and setting, enhanced by a supremely skilful use of light in many lines and degrees. One unforizetable stage picture is provided by a drinking party of bewigged noblemen about a table laden with silver, glass and lighted candelabra, the whole Hooded with amber light ami making a rich harmony of gold and brown. The atmosphere of Madame Sautercllo's establishment is lightened by hangings of ureen plush and upliolstpry of purple and gold. Jeanne's interview with the King takes place in a dim-lit room with walls of dark purple-blue and silver, and a decoration of crimson roses. The final scene is a sombre moonlit garden, "with Jeanne's rose-pink dress as the only colonr-hote among a company clad in white and silver. A Most Capable Cast Miss Welling receives admirable vocnl aid from Mr. Dudley, and they have two liauntingly beautiful ducts, "Without Your Love" and "The Road to Happiness." Her lilting song, "Happy Little Jeanne," in one of the early scenes,' contrasts with the tragic I Give My Heart,", in which the heroine pours out her shame and disillusionment. Miss Jean Gibson, a charming soubrette, and Mr. Cecil Kellaway, as a susceptible marquis, make excellent comcdv. and have a couple of amusing duets, "On the Stage" and "Ga-ga." Mr. Parry makes an admirably dignified ami natural Louis XV. Mr. Leslie Holland, who was warmly welcomed back by many old friends, thoroughly looks the part of the elderly comte, and Miss Duncan marvellously overcomes the handicaps of youth as the grey-haired Marochnle do. Franco. All the minor parts are most capably filled, and there is not a single jarring note. Admirable Dancing

The ballet in the second act. an oldfashioned pavano, is one of the finest seen here for years past. Tho silver-clad dancers flit about the moonlit stage like fairies, and tho premiere danseuso, Miss Ivy Kir by, who is also ballet mistress, proves herself a supreme artist. A minuet two scenes earlier, by gallants and court ladies, is equally charming in another way. The orchestra, conducted by IMr. Andrew McCunn, and composed largely of local players, does admirable work. Mention should be made or the extraordinary speed and smoothness with which the many changes of scene are carried ojit. In a pleasant little speech before the curtain, Miss Welling thanked the audience for its very warm welcome, which, she said, had her feel thoroughly at home. She thanked and complimented the. orchestra, and also thanked tho stage staff for handling a "heavy show" so capably. , , , "The Dubarry" will be repeated tonight and following evenings with a matinee on Wednesday.