HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22397, 19 October 1934, Page 5

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

” THE DUBARRY " , That the local, theatre-going - public appreciates an opportunity. of witnessing, a first-class stage production was agaij\ indicated last-evening, whep; as on the .previous nights of its season, the brilliant J. C. Williamson presentation “The Dubarry ” attracted another , crowded audience. to His Majesty's Theatre. Superbly, mounted and-staged with' the meticulous attention to detail that is' characteristic of all productions staged under the auspices of Messrs J. C. Williamson;. The Dubarry ” attains in every department an exceptionally high standard, and as. a stage spectacle itiequals anything tlmt has been produced in’Dunedin.for many years past. In all, nine .different' scenes are presented, and each- one is a gem of its kind, whilst the . changing: over from one to another is effected so efficiently that there is an entire absence'mf irritating delays. Every member of the cast is an artist, but no one who witnesses her capable handling of the principal role will grudge Miss Sylvia-Welling the lions share of the honours. Natural and unassuming, but. always convincing, she displays ap artistry and understanding or her part that immediately establish her in high' favour with bet audience, not the least attractive feature of her performance being her rendering of several vocal numbers, which she : handles delightfully. Some clever comedy is introduced by Mr Cecil Kellaway, who, as vthe Marquis de la Marche, brings laugh niter laugh in his own inimitable manner. Miss Jean Gibson also giving a sparkling and humorous . interpretation of Margot. Always a favourite with Dunedin audiences, Mr Leslie Holland fully maintains the reputation he has won by. his deft character sketch in the role of the Comte. Dubarry. Others who make the most qt their respective parts are Miss Lorna Forbes, Mr John Dudley, Miss Jean Duncan, and. Mr Richard Parry, while a spectacular ballet arranged by Miss; Ivy Kirby, who appears as premiere. clanseuse, is a particularly attractive featuie. The season of “ The Dubarry will close to-night, and this afternoon _ a matinee will be given.

“ WALTZES FROM VIENNA ”

After the conclusion of the ‘ Dubarry season to-night J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will give Dunedin patrons another attraction in “Waltzes From Vienna,”, which will have its initial performance at His Majesty’s Theatre to-morrow night, the story of “Waltzes from Vienna is decidedly interesting, for there is drama in the plot, and incidents from the lives of Johann Strauss, senior; and Lis illustrious son are introduced into the storj. It is woven round a clash between the two men. and there is a considerable amount of sentiment and comedy throughout the performance. It has been .described as il an eye, ear, and heart ■■shew.. elder Strauss was averse to his son following in his artistic footsteps, and the.world has been made aware that theva were deferences between; the famous ..father, ami son over the hitter’s desire to become a, musician, and at- times a certain’. amount of bitterness of feeling is displayed , on both sides. So rhiich-so that., the young man: became a 'clerk to a _sav}iJgs bank, but his mother, was by his side, in bis troubles, and she aided -him W his! wisli to obtain-a- musical, education. I his be received from the great instrumentalist and conductor; Dreschlcr, and very , soon it was evident that ypiing ’ Strgues-had inherited-the, geuius of' his fjjthcy. . ih.e son, according to the story, • falls; to the charm ; of Rcsi,- a pastrycook s" daughter (Jean Duncan). and’ he also finds a-warm and powerful friend in Countess Qlga (Sylvia Welling). ; who diplomatically moves in the directioir of peace between the father and son, and has many interviews with Strauss, senior (Lou- Vernon), respecting the son’s musical career, and she even goes so fur as to. toll him that JohahnjC junior- -(John Dudley)., will oho clay- stand higher in the musical world than he. : In- the 5 end- the son 'tnampns, and wins the approval of'the father.' i lns all makes a romantic story. Ihe comedj is again supplied by Cecil Eellaway as Hieronyoiis- Ebescder, and is- ably; supported by Leslie Donaghey fl-erdiuaml Wessely); Leslie Holland; as Ivarl Hirscli, gives an‘ excellent character- study as the lirewbrks expert. Other parts are taken bv Kichard Parry as Dreschlcl-, Lorn a-. Forbes as Kati. Clifford Cowley as Leopold Wcssely. Jean Gibson ns Augustina the bride. Reginald Riddell ns .Hans the bridegroom. Cecil- Pawley, IDouniayer). John Dense • fLieiitenaiit;Schultz). Douglas''.Herald (Captain Roris AndroffL and Hilton Porter (Hnrtkopf). Try Kirby.' the: premiere dansenso. is again responsible for the ballet work. the conductor will be ,Mr Leo Packer. The

season definitely finishes on October 2S. There, will be a special holiday matinet on Monday,