STAGE PRODUCTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22086, 16 April 1935, Page 12

STAGE PRODUCTIONS

OFFERINGS FOR FUTURE REVIVING OLD FAVOURITES SPECIAL CONCERT ATTRACTIONS A welcome revival in the support for stage plays in New Zealand was reported by Mr. John Tait, a director of J. C. Williamson, Limited, who arrived in Auckland by motor yesterday, accompanied by Mrs. Tait, after a tour of the North Island. This indication of the ability of the public to patronise good theatrical productions, stated Mr. Tait, would result in a number of stage successes being sent to the Dominion in the near future. One of the greatest successes of recent years in Australia, Ivor Novello'a "Fresh Fields," would be an early offering to the New Zealand public, and the same cast would probably present "While Parents Sleep." The plays would be performed by a newly-formed organisation, which would probably be strengthened by one or two members of the company at present in New Zealand. A revival that would be welcomed by the public was that of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operas, to play which a new company was rehearsing in Australia. These plays would be performed in the Dominion later in the year. Another revival that was proving extremely popular in the Commonwealth was that of the old musical comedies, the "Quaker Girl," "Our Miss Gibbs" and "High Jinks," plays which would be sent here in September. Although perhaps early to judge the possibility of financial success of such plays as "The White Horse Inn" Mr. Tait thought that New Zealand was rapidly showing that the support would be forthcoming for such expensive productions, and he hoped that it would soon be possible to stage them in the Dominion. One of the objects of Mr. Tait's visit to Auckland was to meet the famous violinist, Yehudi Menuhin, who would be a through passenger by the Mariposa on Saturday for Australia. After a season in Australia the youthful prodigy would return to the Dominion and would probably give two concerts in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Another concert offering promised for later in the year was the Viennese Boys' Choir, which consisted of 20 boys. They had performed with conspicuous success in America and were now enjoying a popular season in London. Their choir was the product of a long-established school, which had produced Schubert, among other famous musicians.