"ALADDIN"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24835, 7 February 1942, Page 4

"ALADDIN"

The box plans will be opened at the D.I.C. on Monday morning, at 9 o'clock, for the production of J. C. Williamson's pantomime, "Aladdin," which is to be staged for a brief season at His Majesty's Theatre on Thursday night next. The first matinee will be, presented on Saturday afternoon next. "Aladdin " is rich in comedy; there are good choruses, numerous song successes, many novel features, and brilliant dancing by a talented ballet of girls in their teens and by 20 delightful children whose ages range from seven to twelve years. It was when they were definitely enabled to procure the Great Levante for the role of Abanazar, the wicked magician, that the directors of J. C. Williamson decided to produce "Aladdin." It is a part that calls for outstanding artistry, and the famous magician has achieved his best success ias Abanazer. "Aladdin" is said to be the most costly, and most ambitious pantomime the Williamson management has ever sent to New Zealand. A feature of the comedy is that there is not one line of the dialogue or one episode that is not clean and wholesome. There are four talented comedians in the cast, and thev get their laughs by legitimate and genuine methods. Mr Ed. Edwards, critics in Auckland declared, makes an ideal Widow Twankey. and his by-play with the children at the matinee performances made him immensely popul.ar with the parents who accompanied the youngsters to the performances of "Aladdin.'-' Miss Doris Whimo makes a dashing " principal boy," and Miss Ursula Irving a charming " principal girl." Other principal artists include Robert' Butt, Miss Esme Levante. Ronnie Shand, Joe Valli, Lawrie Long, Gwen Pike\ Glen Baisley and Berio Spiro. "Aladdin " is nroduced by Robert Butt, and a full orchestra is under the direction of Gordon Gird wood.