J. C. WILLIAMSON, LTD.

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11739, 29 January 1924, Page 7

J. C. WILLIAMSON, LTD.

MR FRANK TAIT ARRIVES BIG THEATRICAL FEATURES FOR NEW ZEALAND. EXPENSE OF PRODUCTIONS. An arrival by the Maunganui, after her fog bound stay off the New Zealand coast yesterday, was Mr Frank Tait, of the directorate of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., who is revisiting the Dominion with Mrs Tait after an absence of ten years. It is their intention to spend some time in the Dominion, and, after a visit to Auckland, where they depart to-day, he and Mrs Tait will make a sojourn in the south. Mr Tait spoke in an enthusiastic vein regarding matters theatrical in Sydney, where, he declared, there had been a most successful revival of “The Merry Widow,” with Gladys Moncrieff in the lead. “We were particularly fortunate,” he informed a “Times” representative last night, “in obtaining Henry Higgineon, the original Danilo, for this production, and the revival has been a most successful one.” “SALLY” A GREAT SHOW. “But the show in Australia,” ho added, emphasising the “the,” is “Sally.” “It has been one of the greatest draws we have ever had. It is now in Melbourne with Josie Melville still playing the part she created, and we simply can’t take it off: that is the position." The good tidings were, however, brought by Mr Tait that New Zealanders should see “Sally” about March. “I do not think that it will be later than that,*' he said. “Then of course there is ‘Alladin’ in Melbourne, which is also coming over to this country. Ada Reeve has made good as principal boy, and I think you will be glad to see her again Slie has lost none of the old vivacity and magnetic charm.” It is also on the cards that Mr Oscar Asche will pay New Zealand another visit, on this occasion with his Shakespearean repertoire. After this tour, the great producer will in all probability depart for South Africa on his return to England. It is apparent, according to Mr Tait, that New Zealand will not he neglected in matters theatrical fur at least some considerable time to oouie. ENORMOUS EXPENSE OF PRODUCTION. “Then, of oourse, there is the Question of expense,” declared Mr Tait, who added that nowadays it was a serious matter from a financial point of view to send a company to this oountry. The expense of a chorus girl for such a tour, he declared, approximated »120. “And the people talk about the prices 1 The trouble is that the prices are not high enough, at least not from our point of view. But then we know that we cannot charge more. Now Zealand, you know, lias been rather letting us down of late!” Mr and Mrs Tait are both looking forward to seeing friends and renewing acquainances during their present New Zealand visit. The former said he was very glad to meet Mr L»uvrence Grossuntil over here; whom he believed was as great a favourite in New Zealand as in Australia. “And,” he added, “that is saying a good deal.” FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS. Questioned as to Mr Grossroith’s future plans, Mr Tait replied that this matter was as yet unsettled. The subject was one for negotiations. After completing his present New ZeSand tour at Auckland, the talented English actor would leave for Melbourne, where there would be a revival of “Applejack,” and Mr Grossmith would appear also in other plays. “The difficulty is in getting similar ones for him,” he remarked.