CHINESE MYSTIC REVUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23830, 9 June 1939, Page 7

CHINESE MYSTIC REVUE

STAGE PRODUCTION The box plan will be opened to-day for Chang’s “A Trip to Hades,” the Chinese magical, musical revue which will be presented by arrangement with J. C. Williamson, Ltd., at His Majesty’s Theatre for a season of five nights commencing on Wednesday.' The amazing magic of Chang, recognised as one of the world’s greatest illusionists, has a most suitable background in this unusual production. r In "A Trip to Hades” there are 28 scenes, all set in lavish Chinese tapestries, which bring the glory of ancient China, and the lighting effects are entirely new to New Zealand. In the large supporting company are a number of internationally famous artists, notably Joanna Claire, the Broadway dancer who, in addition to her solo presentation, introduces Chang’s imported ballet. Walton and Murray, direct from the Berlin Wintergarden. present an amazing act. Balancing acrobatic wizards, they invariably draw great applause from audiences. The Cuban Marimba Orchestra presents a novel musical act as well as playing the incidental music for the show, and Ross Buchanan, from the Drury Lane Theatre, London, has a fine baritone voice. These artists work in association with a host of talented Chinese assistants who, in the words of Chang, “ bring y r n many strange things from many strange lands.” Chang does mot present the magic of the past. Instead of producing rabbits he produces “ ghosts,” wierd fantastic, figures , that, cavort around amongst the audience. These ghostly apparitions actually talk, yet one can see right through them—" even feel their icy fingers near your throat. Chang’s tour of New Zealand is limited to eight weeks owing to the fact that he has signed a contract to return to Portugal. His company first presented “A Trip to Hades ” at the Roxy Theatre, New York, the largest theatre in the world, and during the last four years and a-half it has appeared in the United States, South America, France, Brazil and Portugal. Chang fortunately is able to speak almost any language. His illusions being a close secret, his chief assistants are unable to speak a word of English, yet strangely enough it is not Chinese but Spanish, that is used back stage most of the time. Theatregoers who like musical comedy, revue, magic, drama or pantomine are all catered for in this unusual production.