“SEVENTH HEAVEN”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12407, 29 March 1926, Page 9

“SEVENTH HEAVEN”

WILLIAMSON’S EASTER ATTRACTION. It is not often that playgoers of New Zealand receive an opportunity to criticise th© presentation of an important dramatic production before it has been staged in either Sydney or Melbourne, hut this is going to happen at the rand Opera House on Saturday night next, when J. *C. Williamson, Ikd., will stage for the first time in Australasia th© stirring and phenomenally successful play of the Parisian slums, “Seventh Heaven," which hae proved the most successful play staged in New York during" recent years. The occasion of th© first production of “Seventh Hbaven” will m)so signalise the initial appearance in Australasia of the famous French actress, Miss ILemy Carpen, who was specially engaged in America for th© part of Diane, and playgoers will also be glad to know that Mr Frank Harvey, the dramatic star, will make liis reappearance in th© rol© of Chico, which gives him greater opportunities than he has ever received for tho display of his. genius in dramatic art. Only a short period can be devoted to th© present tour, as big preparations aro being made for th© presentation of “Seventh Heaven” in Sydney, where it is to b© staged at tbe termination of tbe Ncjw Zealand season. Miss Rcmy Carpen is on© of tho most popular actresses th© French stag© lias produced, and she is very popular, in Paris, where sho created quite a number of roles in important; dramas, in French, of course, but she speaks excellent English and she lias achieved some of her best triumphs in America. It is said that thef© is a tremendous climax to the “Seventh Heaven.” It created a positive sensation when it was first staged in New York. “Tho audience.” said a critic there, “was r-reathless with apprehension as th© fall of tho final curtain drew near. Then very suddenly they were given a great surprise and the play finished with great punch, that astonished and delighted everybody nnd provided a topic for conversation and arguments afterwards.” Unfortunately, owing to the brevity of the season, only a limited number of performances can be staged of “Seventh Heaven,” and during tho season will also be staged the notable dramatic success, “Secrets,” which enjoved a record run in Sydney rcccntlv/ The box plans for “Seventh Heaven” will he opened at tho Bristol Piano Co. on i\ cd nos day morning.