“THE VAGABOND KING”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23515, 1 June 1938, Page 3

“THE VAGABOND KING”

MUSICAL COMEDY SEASON “The Vagabond King,” a musical comedy abounding with lilting melodies and bright humour, will be presented at His Majesty’s Theatre, commencing with a matinee on Saturday, and continuing during the Winter Show Week, with a special matinee on the King's Birthday. The Dunedin Operatic Society has imported the original costumes as used in this production at the Winter Garden Theatre, London. “The Vagabond King” is based on Justin Huntly McCarthy’s romance, “If I Were King.” It opens in a tavern in old Paris about 1492, when Louis XI, in disguise, visits the tavern and hears one, Francois Villon, pourIng scorn on the head of the King. Louis listens mockingly, and takes him at his word and assures Villon that he shall rule the State for 24 hours and die at their expiration, ijouis is not the only distinguished visitor to the tavern that nigat, for there has appeared the beautiful Katherine du Vaucelles, who has come to seek the aid of Villon to save Paris from the advancing Burgundians. Villon falls in love with Katherine, and goes off. to battle with the Burgundians. Mr James Macfarlane has the role of Francois Villon, with Miss Rita Stone as Katherine, and others who are In the cast are Freda Elmes, Tui Northey, Harriet Hamer, John Gordon, Mark Gaston, Stan Lawson, Richard Murphy, Richard White, S. G. Lock, Donald Munro E. W. Griffiths, Jack Johnson and E. Ombler. There is a full operatic chorus of 75 voices and an orchestra under the baton of Mr James Clark. The ballets have been trained by Miss Rosetta Powell, and Mr Stan Lawson Is the producer.