THEATRICAL DISPUTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20022, 12 February 1927, Page 11

THEATRICAL DISPUTE

ENGAGEMENT OF MISS MONCRIEFF. MLLE PECHY HIGHLY INCENSED. (PreM Association —By Telegraph—Copyright.' LONDON, February 10. (Received Feb. 11, at 5.5 p.m.) Miss Gladys MoncriefE’s engagement at Daly’s Theatre has been the cause of a remarkable dispute between the management and Mile Pechy, the star of the Budapest Royal Opera, who appeared in the part in the provinces and expected the role In the West End. Mile. Pechy was told that Miss Moncriclf was replacing her because her own knowledge of English was insufficient. To this Mile. Pechy, who is in bed, said excitedly: “I -will play or I will die. 1 have worked al night to learn English. The British public does not know me, but on the Continent I am somebody. I will not be treated like a chorus girl. I gave up opportunities in Vienna, Budapest, and Berlin to come to London. In Manchester they stood up and cheered me. lam the show. Without me it will bo a failure. London must see me. I shall not return until I appear before them.” . . In the meantime Miss Moncneff Is rehearsing.—A. and N.Z. Cable. A message which appeared yesterday morning stated; Miss Gladys Moncrieff will replace Mile. Eizabeth Pechy, the Hungarian soprano, who was selected for the leading role in the musical comedy “The Blue Mazurka.” which will shortly be produced in London at Daly’s Theatre. Mile. Pechy, who is indisposed, had trouble with the language.