Familiar Players in “Wishing Well”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 637, 13 April 1929, Page 24

Familiar Players in “Wishing Well”

HARRIET BENNET AND OTHERS IN AMERICAN PRODUCTION

Harriet Bennet, who was here m "Rose Marie,” is playing in ‘‘The Wishing Well” in San Francisco. In support there are several players well known to Auckland audiences, including Reginald Dandy, or “Rose Marie,” Basil Radford, here in The Ghost Train,” and the Ben Travers farces; Phyllis Nicholson, who has been seen in many of the Fuller proI ductions, and Peter Gaythorne, who paid a brief visit to Auckland on his way through to America. Miss Bennet began her career in San Francisco a few years ago in a revue put on by Ackerman and Harris. She followed this up with the creation of the part of Mariette in the Duncan sisters’ “Topsy and Eva.” Feeling the limitations of the Pacific Coast for the career she had planned

for herself. Miss

ennett went to New York, and was later engaged for a London, England, Bennett went to New York, and was later engaged for a London, • England, season, especially to originate the chief role in "The Wishing Well,” which has a book by Peter Gawthorne and a score by Harold Garston, a pupil of Humperdinck. The singing actress was then engaged by the Australians for a year in the Antipodes. She opened there in "Lilac Time,” and her success was so great her contract was renewed for another year, which extended into a third, “Rose Marie” being the musical comedy during these two seasons. The Williamsons wanted her to remain in

Australia, tut she turned her back on the flattering propositions made to her to stay on. the far-off island continent. Now she has achieved her heart’s desire, her American appearance in the opera she loves most of all the things she has done. Fred S. Macfarland has made a fine production, and has brought from Australia Reginald Dandy, who sung with her two years there. Others in support are Peter Gawthorne, Basil Radford, Wylie Watson, Phyllis Nicholson and Evelyn Shirley.

Don Finley, an enthusiastic young j Sydney man, has established the Tur- j ret Theatre in Sydney. It will hold ! only 150 people. Among his support- j ers are Professor Radcliffe Brown and | Ernest Watt. Supporting Nat Madison in “No. 17“ in Sydney are Bertha Riccardo, Ellis Irving, Roger Barry, Arthur Cornell, Rutland Beckett, Herbert Millard, Campbell Copelin and Helga Rolunde. "No. 17” is said to be the latest thing in thrillers. From the* jute *mills and shanty singing in t-V f’c’sle of the old windjammers on the Clyde to a Knight of the Empire, and one of the greatest comedians of his time, is Sir Harry Lauder’s achievement. All the world has paid tribute to his art and it is generally conceded that he has no equal in the universe to-day. A most abstemious man, he never touches alcohol during the day, but those who have been privileged to foregather with him after the show, principally members of his company, can testify to his good fellowship. He loves to tell or hear a good story “on himself.” Sir Harry is to make his tni-anpual farewell tour of New Zealand commencing at Auckland on April 17, when he will be supported by an entirely new company of international artists. Mr. E. J. Carroll, the well-known entrepreneur, who has been associated with Sir Harry for over 20 years, will again direct the business side.