“THE LILAC DOMINO."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18467, 31 January 1922, Page 7

“THE LILAC DOMINO."

Another large audienqe was iteesent last night -at His Majesty’s Theatre, when the J. C. Williamson Company presented “The Lilao Domino,” a. oomio opera which instantly appealed, as was evidenced hy the insistent demands for encores and the heafty applause which greeted the performers. The opening, scene is set at a tell, during- a domino party, where Georgine Clevcdon (Miss Bene Maxwell) and the daughter of the opulent Gomel iue Olevedon (Mr Lou Vernon)' falls asleep. A kiss’ from ap admirer, the Hon. Andre D’Aubigny (Mr Claude Flemming), who, however, does not recognise Ins masked lover; awakens her. D’Aubigny, Prosper Woodhouse ■ (Mr George-: Gee), and Norman K. Calmain (Mr Hugh Steyne) arc three impecunious.young men who scheme to deliver themiselves from the grasping hands of their creditor# by marrying on© of their number to the heiress, and thus the one wouW bo able to support himself and hia two friends. They : throw dice,'and D’Aubigay loses- the throw mid seta , about his love-making with Georgina. Haunted by hia love: for the unknown- lilao Domino, he hand of tho ; heiress,hot' knowing! that the- two identities axe but on© person/."A Spanish gypsy violinist accidentally reveals to Georgine The ‘ dic®J throwing of- Daubigny and-hie. friends, and she naturally • resents that she should be wooed on a throw of the dice. However, she forgives- her lover, and all ends well. The musical numbers were excellent, and ,the'-ringmg 'of the principals, Miss Maxweil, Mr ■ Flimming, and" Miss Edith Draysoa, met r with. ■ prolonged applause. Mr George Gee, • who ,ia an attractive: eccentric dancer, was. encored on-several occasions for his clover footwork, and, together with Mr Hugh -Steyne,. provided the humour of the piece in a manner., Which earned them repeated and prolonged applause. Burlesque dances by Mias Draysoa and Messrs- Gee. Steyne. Valentine, and Vernon also proved irresistible, and the performers were recalled twice. Mias Baird and Mr Thompson gave a fox trot and a -Russian dance, and - earned well-deserved encores. The wbrk of the attractive chorus was exceptionally good, and the voices were well balanced. The- costuming of the chorusgirls • was, gorgeous, and' the young ladies : acted with the grace -and ease which is typical of good productions. The scenery is also particularly good, a very fine moonlight effect on rolling waves in the third act being most realistic. The whole performance is of a high standard, and well up to what an .audience expects of a J. C. Williamson production. ‘The Lilad Domino” will be repeated- to-night, and on Wednesday and/Thuraday evenings, and on Friday night l “The Firefly,”, a spectacular comedy, will bo presented for the first time.