“DESERT SONG” SEASON

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 829, 25 November 1929, Page 15

“DESERT SONG” SEASON

IMPRESSIVE THEME Colourful and spectacular, with an absorbing- theme. “The Desert Song:” j continues to draw packed houses to His Majesty's Theatre. Lavishly staged in every way—with j vivid settings. 330 players, entrancing [ singing and dancing, charming dresses. | music and comedy—“ The Desert Song” j has the romance of love and intrigue in Morocco to captivate theatre-goers. It brings the spell of Northern Africa to the stage. There is the talent of Marie Bremner and Lance Fairfax, whose acting alone provides a host of entertainment. Both prominent players are excellently cast. From the militaris mand the heroics of French barracks the action of the play passes to insurrectionist encampments in the Riff fastnesses and to the harem of a sultan. In the breadth of these phases are exceptional opportunities for scenic and lighting effects and for costumes. Tbe red and blue, of French military dress, Moroccan and Bedouin apparel, and harem robes present a delightful spectacle. Through the colour of the settings the story of the play is threaded faeilely. Power ! is given to the play in the definite portraits of diilicult characters acted by the principals. The masterly handling of a dual role by Lance Fairfax commands the attention. As “Red Shadow” lie changes from the part of a marauder to the intricate handling of his second role as a simpleton. Mr. Fairfax’s singing is t an important feature. Marie Bremner's Margot calls for I rapid changes of emotion —all effec- • lively portrayed. Her singing is ex- i 1 cellent and. with Mr. Fairfax, she sings i “The Desert Song." ■ Most of tlie comedy comes from J i Herbert Mundin, Renee Murphy and } i J. H. Scott. Herbert Browne’s tenor voice pleases j in “The Riding Song of the Riffs” | and "One Flower in Your Garden,” j with Lance Fairfax. Others in the ; cast are Maud ZirnWa, Marjorie Maxwell, Douglas Herald, Sidney Burchall and Cecil Peneley.