J. C. WILLIAMSON'S OPERA COMPANY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22392, 13 October 1934, Page 7

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S OPERA COMPANY

"THE DUBARRY" AND "WALTZES FROM VIENNA" To-night at His Majesty's Theatre, beginning at 7.55, J. C. Williamson's opera company, numbering over 100 artists, headed by the famous Loudon artist, Miss Sylvia Welling, will appear in :i gala performance of the musical romance "The Dubarry," which has broken ircords in England, America, Australia and New Zealand. Seats in central positions for to-night's performance .of " The Dubarry" may be selected at the D.I.C. until noon, and after that hour and until 6.80 this evening the plans will be on view at the Rialto confectionery shop, where tickets for the ordinary stalls and pit may also be purchased. From G. 30 scats may be reserved at His Majesty's Theatre, and tickets for the stalls and pit may also be purchased at the theatre ticket boxes.

The advance team of mechanists and electricians finished their elaborate alterations and additions to the existing stage facilities of His Majesty's Theatre yesterday, so that evetything is in readiness for to-night. Amatory dalliance in attic and palace, the voluptuous saga of the decadence of France could, it is said, scarcely be shown more explicitly or cynically than in " The Dubarry," in which Sylvia Welling, it is stated, rises to her full stature as a temperamental actress. Hers is the most complete array of charms and talents ever known to musical comedy—elever beauty of face; the power to sing; the ability to make quick temperamental transitions which alone can explain the progress of this milliner to her uncrowned queendom. Her duets with John Dudley are among the beat musical treats of the production, aud her voice is heard at its best in " I Give My Heart" and "Happy Little Jeanne." John Dudley, the young Australian tenor, is said to have achieved an outstanding success in the role of Rene Lavallery, his glorious voice being specially suited to the number "If I am Dreaming." Mr Cecil Kellaway in the role of the Marquis de la Marehe provides much of the comedy, and he is ably assisted by Jean Gibson, who plays the part of Margot. Leslie Holland, as the Comte Dubarry, has added another fine character sketch to his long list of successful impcrsoaations, "and Mr Richard Parry, it is said, looks and acts the role of Louis XV to the very life. Miss Ivy Kirby, who was one of the principal members of the late Pavlova's company, is said to be an accomplished and talented artist and dancer, and others who play important parts are Lou Vernon, Jean Duncan. Lorna Forbes, Hilton Porter, Les Donaghey, Clifford Cowley, Cecil Pawley and Douglas Herald. The full grand opera chorus and orchestra of 25 players are under the direction of Mr L?o Packer. The work of a talented ballet is a feature of the production.- Only a limited number of performances can be staged of " The Dubarry," including a matinee on Wednesday afternoon. During a brief season " Waltzes from Vienna" will be presented, including a matinee on Labour Day.