MARIE BURKE IN “KATJA”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIV, Issue 12660, 21 January 1927, Page 8

MARIE BURKE IN “KATJA”

GRAND OPERA HOUSE MONDAY. At the Bristol Piano Co. this morning the box plans will be opened at nine o’clock for the six representations of the gorgeous and stupendous London comic opera triumph “Katja,” which will mark the reappearance here at tho Grand Opera House on Monday night next of the delightful comic opera artist, Miss Marie Burke, who, it will be remembered, was responsible for the wonderful success won by “Wildflower” when it was staged here 18 months ago. The large number of applications whioh have been made for seats for the opening performance is a clear indication that playgoers are anxious to give Miss Burke a warm welcome, as it will signalise her first appearance here since she suffered so badly in the terrible Queensland railway catastrophe last year. The initial performance of “Katja” will mark the debut here of the famous young London comedian, Mr R. Barrett-Lennard, Mr Noel Dainton, a talented London actor; and the delightful English soubrette and dancer, Miss Babette Odeal, and the reappearance of Cecil Kelleway, Thelma Burness, Herbert Browne, Frank Hawthorne, Chas. Zoli, and other well-known artists. The story of “Katja” unfolds an intensely interesting and romantic plot, which put briefly is as follows: — Katja (Marie Burke) and her partner (Noel Dainton), who are gaining a living by their dancing, are really a deposed prince and princess. At a party given by Count Orpitch (Cecil Kelleway) they meet Price Carl of Karuja, who, although incognito, is recognised by Ivo as the prince who is enjoying the position the two dancers should have had by right. The position is made exciting when Katja falls in love with the usurper. An attempt Dy Ivo, who assumes the disguise of a waiter, to drug the prince in order that he might be carried off is foiled hy Katja. who tells all about the con•niracy. In this scene Marie Burke rises to great heights in dramatic genius. The emotions of the temperamental Katja, torn between devotion io the cause and unwilling love, give Miss Burke an opportunity for fine ■cting, in the course of which her dark beauty is revealed t.o its advantage. An effective foil to their dramatic scenes is provided hy the deliciously ridiculous affairs of Pat Orpitch (Thelma Durness') and Leander Billdroff (Barretta pair of star-crossed lovers, who provide some of the happiest moments of the production. Miss Babette Odeal’s dancing created a furore of enthusiasm in Sydney recently. The production is staged under the personal supervision of Mr Ghnrles A. Wenman. Only a limited number of performances can be staged of “Katja,” including a matinee on Saturday. January 29th, and during the very brief season the delicious comic opera “Wildflower” will also be presented.