“THE LILAC DOMINO."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18468, 1 February 1922, Page 2

“THE LILAC DOMINO."

A delighted audience at His Majesty’s Theatre last night found J. C. Williamson’s latest venture, “The Lilac Domino,” very much to its liking. “The Lilac Domino” is a bright musical comedy, and combines in an attractive whole all the accustomed features of tuneful music, an interesting story, handsomely dresked choruses, and brightly coloured ensembles. The music is different from most musical comedies. It 'seems as though the composer had paid less attention than usual to song and concentrated on the orchestral music; indeed, the piece itself is as much comic opera as musical comedy. An interesting story has been written round the doings of three gentlemen of. fortune, one of whom is to marry a rich and attractive girl to retrieve their position. The chief parts find expression through half a dozen capable principals, who botlh act well and sing nicely, and the supporting artists and chorus members are equally good performers. “The Lilac Domino” will be repeated to-night and tomorrow night. “FIREFLY'.” Playgoers frequently have the idea that the second play in a company’s repertoire is not as good as the opening production, but in the cose of “Firefly,” the musical comedy which “The Lilac Domino” company will stage on Friday night next and four following evenings, the public. of Dunedin should enjoy it as much as any play of its kind yet staged in New Zealand. The comedians of the present company have been everywhere acclaimed the best arid cleanest who have yet appeared in a musical comedy in' Australasia, and in “Firefly” they have, it is said, even greater opportunities than in the opening piece. It would be a hard matter to find a better trio of comedians than Messrs George Gee, Hugh Steyne, and Claude Flemming. One of the “hits” of ’Firefly” is the “Sympathy” number, rendered by Mr Flemming and Miss Edith Drayson, their singing and acting of which always rouse audiences to enthusiasm, and they have to repeat it over and over again. Miss Rene Maxwell’s excellent soprano voice is heard at its best in the music allotted her character in “Fjrefly,” and Miss Marie Eaton has a congenial part. Mr Lou Vernon and Mr William Valentino have important characters to portray, and Miss Miae Baird and Mr Archie Thompson have some clever dances to execute. The music, dialogue, comedy ballets, and eccentric dances are features of ‘ Firefly.” The plans are now open at The Bristol.