“LOMBARDI LTD."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20930, 21 January 1930, Page 7

“LOMBARDI LTD."

Never in ‘ the history Zealand stage,” wrote a critic, “ hjgTUiere been so much enthusiasm bestowed upon an actor, a play, or on accompany as that which was showered by Wellington playgoers upon Mr Leo Carrillo in Lombardi Ltd.,” which is to be staged here for the first time by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management at His Majesty s Theatre on Tuesday next and the four following evenings. “The famous actor captured his audience during the first five minutes he was on the stage, and there was quite a demonstration at the end of the first act. At the final fall Of the curtain Mr Carrillo was called before the curtain again and again, and eventually the audience demanded a speech, to which the famous star re-, sponded by telling them how much he had already enjoyed New Zealand, and he thanked them for the generous manner in which they had received his efforts and those of his company in f Lombardi Ltd.’ It was quite the most memorable theatrical night known in Wellington.” The J. C. Williamson. management has surrounded Mr Carrillo with an exceptionally strong aggregation of comedy and dramatic artists, including two actresses—Miss Maragrat Cullen-Landis and Miss Barbara Luddy, who were associated with Mr Carrillo in the American 'triumphs of “Lombardi Ltd.” As the irresponsible, lovable, temperamental Tito Lombardi, a fashionable dress designer who is in love with his art; who is appresiative of, and decidedly susceptible to, the charm of the- gentler "Sex; who is joyfully, carelessly extravagant, a constant source of worry to his harassed business manager, Mr Carrillo “ burbles ” unceasingly during the whole course of the play in his own happy, joyous, inimitable way. It is said that it is Carrillo’s wonderful characterisation which makes the play; that, indeed, it would make almost any play more acceptable, hut “Lombardi Ltd.” is a comedy much above the average, while those associated with the star are highly capable exponents of their respective characters. The box plans will be opened on Friday morning next at 9 o’clock. Matinee performances will be staged on Wednesday and Saturday, January 20 and February