“THE LILAC DOMINO” AND “FIREFLY.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18463, 26 January 1922, Page 6

“THE LILAC DOMINO” AND “FIREFLY.”

Big bookings were recorded at the Bristol yesterday when the plans opened for the lull season of “The Lilac Domino” and ‘‘Fifcfly.” Both productions certainly come with big reputations, and the cast, is said to be a very strong one. The cast which has come to New Zealand includes the brilliant Australian artist who made her reputation with the Quinlan Grand Opera Company. Miss Rene Maxwell, and Claude Fleming, fresh from his London triumphs wher» he played lead opposite Jose Collins in “Tire Maid of the .Mountains” and ‘‘The toouthern Maid” at Daly's Theatre. If it were not for the fact that he had a, binding contract to come to Australia he would still be one of London’s stage, idols. The bulk of the comedy element is in the capable hands of George Gee, a new-comer 10 New Zealand, but an established fa vonrite in the Old Country, and more, recently in .Sydney and' Melbourne. Lou Vernon, William Valentine. V. G. Brown, Jack Dunne, Maic Baird, Archie Thompson, Gast.ftn Mervale (who will be remembered by his fine performances with the Title Bruno Company), and Hugh Steync are also included in the cast. The orchestra is in the capable, bands of Mr Case Downing. "T he Lilac Domino” was an instantaneous success m Auckland, and was described by local critics to be the best comic opera since -•‘The Merry Widow." The last five nights will be devoted to Ihe very successful musical comedy, “Firefly,” which created great discussion in Australia as to whether it was not a better show than “The Lilac Domino” and “The Maid of the .Mountains.” “Firefly” is by the same author and composer as those brilliant rnusica' comedies “Katinka” and “You’re in Love. ’