"THE VAGABOND KING"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23121, 20 August 1938, Page 24

"THE VAGABOND KING"

j REOPENING ON MONDAY .So successful was the presentation of the romantic and stirring light opera, "Tho Vagabond King," by tho Auckland Amateur Operatic Society earlier this month, it is natural'that the announcement that Uiere will be a return season at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday has bfcn welcomed. There will be many who will sec it again. Based on the musical version of Justin Huntley McCarthy's story of the ragamuffin poet and brawler, Francois Villon, wlio ruled Franco for a day, "The Vagabond King" was skilfully performed by the members of the society. It was a success in every way. Mr. Ernest Snell made an excellent Francois Villon,, a part that required more than simply vocal ability. Not only did Mr. Snoll sing delightfully, but in each performance swaggered dashingly throughout the evening. With him in the love scenes was Miss Sybil Phillipps, as Katherinn do Vaucelles. Her singing, too, won the instant appreciation of the audiences. The duets, "Only A Rose" and "Love Me To-Night," both scored heavily. Tho clever comedy of Mr. Douglas Stark, as Guy Tabaric, and Mr. Norton Hammond's interpretations of tho King wero other features of tho production. Theatrp lovers will again see tho beautiful ballets by Miss Rosettu Powell, and hear tho full operatic, chorus and orchestra, directed by Mr. Colin Muston, in such stirring songs as "The March of the Vagabonds" and "Tho Drinking Song." The producer is Mr. Stan Lawson, who, with Miss Powell and Mr. Muston. was largely responsible for tho successful presentation of "New Moon" last, year. This is the twentieth production of the society, which is now one of the longest established in Now Zealand. For "The Vagabond King" tho costumes were specially imported.