GALAXY OF STARS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 828, 23 November 1929, Page 15

GALAXY OF STARS

“DESERT SONG” AT HIS MAJESTY’S Rarely is it that New Zealanders are able to see such a combination of talent as that offered by Marie Bremner and Lance Fairfax in “The Desert Song.” which is playing to packed houses at His Majesty’s. Music, comedy, dancing, singing, dresses, vivid scenes—all are of the best in this colourful production so long looked forward to by Auckland theatre-goers. The story is of love and intrigue in Morocco. The action flits from tht> French barracks to an insurrectionists’ camp in the Riff mountains and a sultan’s harem. The opportunities for magnificent scenic and lighting effects have been fully exploited and the costumes, French uniforms of blue and scarlet, Arab garments and harem robes are all that could be desired. The story is cleverly worked out, but calls for strong portrayals on the part of the principals*, who are most successful in difficult roles.

As the mysterious “Red Shadow,” Lance Fairfax filled an almost dual role with seeming ease. At one minute the ruthless marauder, at the next a halfwitted simpleton, he never appeared forced in his work. His singing, too, was a good as ever and .that is high praise indeed. Marie Bremner was at home in her, at times, wildly emotional role as Margot. Her singing, too, was excellent and her duet with Mr. Fairfax, “The Desert Song,” was one of the best musical numbers of the. show. Herbert Mundin, supported by Renee Murphy, carried the burden of the comedy work on most capable shoulders. They received valuable help from J. H. Scott. Herbert Browne used a fine tenor voice to great advantage in “One Flower in Your Garden” and in “The Riding Song of the Riffs” with Lance Fairfax. A strong cast also included Marjorie Maxwell and Maud Zimbla, Sidney Burchall, Douglas Herald and Cecil Paneley..