HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22204, 6 March 1934, Page 10

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE

' "THE MERRV WIDOW"

A packed house greeted the second performance of Franz Lehar’s charming and melodious opera, ‘‘The Merry Widow, by the J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company in His Majesty’s Theatre last evening. The hauntingly beautiful airs which occur throughout the production, the capable and artistic manner in which the prominent parts were performed, and the general competence of the staging and presentation of the show won the audience’s highest approval, which culminated in prolonged and enthusiastic applause at the final curtain. The bulk of the work in “ The Merry Widow ” is left to a few players, and the singular success which attended their efforts. can be gauged by the unstinted admiration which they won by the conviction of their acting and the artistry of .their vocal work. The most arresting figure in the production is undoubtedly Sonia, and in this role Miss Romola Hansen practically carried the performance on her shoulders. A delightful stage manner is allied to a lovely soprano voice and an artistic charm which carry her through the most difficult passages with an ease which immediately stamps her as o player of very considerable attainments. She presents a gaily convincing portrait of the lively and lovely “Widow” which must enhance her reputation with lovers of the legitimate stage. Her renderings of the Old favourites ™Villia ’’ and “The Cavalier ” with Mr Eric Bush, as Well as “ The Merry Widow ” wait* and the love duet “ I Love You So,” were the outstanding musical successes of the presentation, Mr Bush, in the leading male role of Prince Danilo, acted with considerable skill and polish, and also used an attractive voice to excellent advantage. The principal part of the comedy work of the production fell to the lot of Mr Phi. Smith, whose characterisation was marked by a supreme confidence and a good grasp of the comedy requirements of his part One who made the most of every opportunity for clowning was Mr Don Nicol, who as Mr Smith’s first lieutenant in the realm of comedy, provided some of the most amusing interludes in the production The elasticity of his facial expressions, aided by « grotesque and lugubrious make_ up, as well as the remarkable plasticity of his limbs, kept the audience in the highest of good humours. Miss Stella Collier, as the ambassador’s wife who is hopelessly n love with de Jolidon, played by Mr Her* bert Brown, gave a thoroughly competent performance, and these two 1 players com'bined to provide an background for the principal romance of the Two of their duets, “A Dutiful Wife andT LoWs in My Heart,” were excellently sung, the blend and balance of the voices being singularly attractive. Others whose parte, although not so prominent, were played in such a manner as to contribute largely towards the success of the production, were Mr Charles Albert, Mr Oliver Peacock, Miss Lois Green, Mies Leah Miller, Miss Dora Lightfoot, and Miss Phyllis Curnow. Some excellent work is done by a small but efficient ballet, and the assistance given the performers by the orchestra results in the faithfulreproducr tion of all the inherent beauty of Lehar e Merry Widow” will be presented this evening and again to-morrow afternoon and evening. “THE ARCADIANS” On Thursday night the J. C. Williamson, Ltd, New Comic Opera Company will stage for this one night only a brilliant representation of Lionel Moncktons tuneful and highly humorous musical comedy, “The Arcadians,” in which the company achieved an outstandingtriumph in Auckland and Wellington. >hen it was first staged here the part of _ the lugubrious jockey, Peter Doody, was taken by Mr Tom Walla, who is now a famous talking picture artist. In Thursday,evenings performance this character will be portrayed by Mr Don Niool, who has become popular in the role of Nische in The Merry Widow.” Miss Romola Hansen will play Sombna, which is regarded as one of her beet parts, and Miss Lois Green will appear as; Eileen Cavanagh. Miss Mane La Varre will make her reappearance here in the whimsical role of Mrs Hmitn, and; of course, the popular Phil Smith will take the character of Simplicitas, Herbert Browne and Brio Bush will portray Jack Meadows and Percy Marsh respectively, and the cast also includes Doris Hopkins, Charles Albert, Oliver Peacock, Leah Miller, and the other other artists who arc so well placed in “The Merry Widow.” The first act of “The Arcadians’' gives a fine picture of nymphs and swains, enjoying the delights of forest life, entirely devoid of the trammels of civilisation, and know nothing of the racecourse and night club .scenes which are to follow. The second act strikes an admirable contrast with an exceedingly good ' burlesque on the Askwood ” racecourse; and the third a bnlliant representation of London night nte. As the management intend, to adhere to the repertoire as advertised, positively only the one performance can be staged of { ‘ The Arcadians,” and on Friday evening and the two following nights and Saturday afternoon “Florodora” will be staged. On Tuesday and Wednesday nights and Wednesday. afternoon next week “ Wildflower ” will be produced, and on Thursday and Friday. March 15 and 16, " A Country Girl ” will be staged. On Saturday afternoon and evening, the season will close with two performances of “Katinka.” The box plans for the season are now open at the D.I.C.