“THE DUBARRY”

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1934, Page 9

“THE DUBARRY”

MUSICAL PLAY SUCCESS.

AN AMBITIOUS PRODUCTION.

Produced on an elaborate scale not attempted at New Plymouth for some years, “The Dubarry” was applauded by an audience that taxed the accommodation of the Opera House. Described as a musical play, it was something more than that. It’s appeal was not accounted for merely by the fa.ct that it was “flesh and blood” after a surfeit of screen. It was “different.”

Using as a setting the glamorous life of the Paris -of Louis XV,/with its luxury, its gallantry and its frank morals, the authors rejuvenated the stately qualities of the period with an infusion of modern developments. The music, which was a feature of the play, had the touch and the clash of barbarity here and there; the ballets, especially that excellent one in the purple shadows of the Palace Luciennes, had lively novelty as well as grace; the scenery and the costuming were lavish and substantial; and; last but not least; the acting and. the singing were of a kind that compelled the understanding of a. powerful human story. The fact that “The Dubarry” comprised nd ’ess than nine scenes divided into two acts necessarily made it an ambitious undertaking for Messrs. J. C. Williamson Ltd. to take ,on tour, but the result last night should fully justify the venture. Briefly, .the plot was woven around Jeanne, a milliner,.-young, vivacious, ambitious, attractive, and. yet with finer feelings that transcended the toSrser facts of life in which she was engulfed temporarily. A misunderstanding caused her .to be driven out by her lover, to become the mistress of the Comte Dubarry; and him she was taken by command, to succeed Pompadour, the first lady in France. Miss Sylvia. Welling was triumphant as Jeanne. She cast her spell gradually but surely, first: as the exuberant and independent’’ girl whose heart had met its fate in the guise of a poor poet. Despite the affects of a cold, Miss Welling sang and acted with' dramatic realism that was startling and convincing. None could easily forget the impression created by her fine soprano in the happy song “To-day,” the poignant ~ “Happy Little Jean,” er. in the triumphant “I Give My Heart,” when she discovered a real love for her king transcending her earlier attachments.

With Miss Welling were Mr. John Dudley (Rene Lavallery, the poet), Mr. Leslie Holland (Comte Dubarry) and Mr. Richard Parry (King Louis XV). Mr. Dudley’s tenor voice possessed a dramatic quality that matched that of Miss Welling’s resilient soprano. Mr, Dudley Well earned the prolonged applause that rewarded “If I Am Dreaming” song, while he and Miss Welling combined most effectively in “The Rojid to Happiness” and other duets. Mr. Holland gave a fine interpretation as the comte, who like 'others of his compeers was a bundle of contradictions,- culture plus a willingness to cheat at .cards and a readiness to serve his king even to the extent of giving him Jeanne. He was a product of the tifn’es.’ 'As’he said, “I am a loyal subject.” • Mr.- Parry’s part was not large, but he did it well. Percolating through all the drama that sometimes amounted to the tragic, was the comedy of Mr. Cecil Kellaway (the Marquis de la Marche, the wit and man of cryptic sayings).and Miss Jean Gibson (Margot). Without these two the play would have been sheer musical drama, but they always managed to keep the bright side prominent,, especially ins the “Ga-Ga” song and. dance.. Another character whose work was outstanding was Miss Jean Duncan, the shrewd, cultured . and efficient schemer La Marechale de France. Her dignified, ’ stately demeanour and manner of speech while she disposed the destiny of men, women and kings was the work of a really fine actress.

The work of the orchestra under the baton of Mr. Les Packer was of a specially high standard. To-night the company will complete its New Plymouth season with the production of “Waltzes From Vienna.”