COMIC OPERA SEASON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22205, 7 March 1934, Page 4

COMIC OPERA SEASON

"THE MERRY WIDOW" Lehar's delightful comic opera "The Merry Widow, was presented again. last night with conspicuous success by the J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company. Miss Romola Hansen has made a host of friends in the role of Sonia, and has added greatly to her reputation for charming and intelligent characterisation. She makes the most of the delightful melodies which fall to her lot, and distinguishes herself particularly in "Villia," "The Cavalier," and the " I Love You So'' valse duet. Mr Eric Bush in the role of Danilo acquits himself very creditably, and proves an excellent partner for the leading lady. Mr Phil Smith as the Ambassador, Mr Don Nicol as Nisch, Mr Herbert Browne as de Jolidon, and Miss Stella Collier as Natalie, also contribute notably to the success of the performance. There is a good orchestra, which gives an attractive interpretation of the popular music of the production. "The Merry Widow" will be presented again this evening, and there will be a matinee performance this afternoon. v "THE ARCADIANS" To-morrow night, for the one performance only, the J. & Williamson, Ltd., New Comic Opera Company will present a revival of the delightfully exhilarating and picturesque musical comedy, "The Arcadians," in which the company has achieved some of its greatest triumphs. With the music of Lionel Monckton and Howard Talbot, "The Arcadians" is deliciously tuneful, and it is still popular with playgoers the world over. The story is ginal, the dialogue is witty and clever, and the author has created an abundance of clean and wholesome comedy scenes and situations for the comedians. The plot is well known. James Smith, a caterer of no mean repute, takes to the air, and hi 3 wanderings in that unsubstantial element, together with an accident to the aeroplane, eventually land him in Arcadia, the Land of Truth. His sudden descent into another world—the world of,idealists— places him in a rather unfortunate predicament. At first Smith is incapable of comprehending the existence of the Arcadians, but having been dipped in their Well of Truth, he is transformed into one of their number, and assumes their wejd apparel, but finqs it difficult to adapt himself to their mannerisms. With the assistance of Father Time, however, he forth to convert the inhabitants of the mundane sphere into a higher type of being. Eventually Sombra decides to take him back to London, to convert the falsehood-loving " monsters " living there. The pair, with Sombra's friend, Chrysea, drop upon London society at the Askwood races, where they meet, among other people, the lugubrious jockey, Peter Doody, which part was played in the original production here by Mr Tom Walls. The one performance only of "The Arcadians" can be given. Commencing on Friday night for three nights and a matinee on Saturday afternoon next, the famous comic opera, "Florodora," will be presented. Beginning on Tuesday, March 13, for two nights only with a matinee on Wednesday afternoon next, another favourite musical play, "Wildflower," will be staged. On Thursday and Friday,'March 15 and 16, "A Country Girl" will be staged, and for the final presentation of the season on Saturday, March 17, at the matinee and night performance*, the musical -comedy " Katinka " will be staged. The box plans for the entire season are now open at the D.I.C. Day Sale tickets may be purchased at the Rialto, Rattray street.