AMUSEMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13936, 23 June 1909, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE MERRY WIDOW

At last theatre-goers of Timaru are to have an opportunity of witnessing this exceptionally popular and successful play. In announcing a production of such magnitude, it is perhaps not out of place to mention that "The Merry Widow" has the •.iiiique distinction of being pieseuted simultaneously at 300 theatres in iMiropj, without counting America, South Alrica and Australia. 'Jhis remarkable light opera will be produced at. the 'JJieatre Royal on Monday, 2«ih oi June, and the box plans will be opened to-morrow at the Dresden. To meet the requirements of the exceptional attraction, Mr J. C Williamson's xtoyal Comic ' Opera Company has been ospcciallv strengthened by some important " engagements. Mr Auire.v Higginson, principal baritone, >s new to local theatre-goers, and comes - to us with a reputation which has pracexhausted the superlatives of contemporary critics. Australasia s favourite artist. Miss Florence \oung, has won fresh laurels by her brnliaui, performance and splendid rendering ( .i the sparkling music m the tit'u role. Manv of the favourite names, which go to make up the strong cast "ior this production have been given, and it is seldom that local theatre-goers have seen such an army of talent in one combination. One of the most in. portaut features in this tuneful .-pera is the orchestration, which is said to he clever to a degree: in tact, some critics have compared it with *-iie_o;chestration ol many far more seuous musical works. Ju order that full justice may be done to the composer'* talent, Air Williamson lias seat a grand opera orchestra on tour with flie company, under the able difaction of Air Howard Carr, which lnis been mentioned by New Zealand critics as a, revelation iii orchestral music and accompaniment. A full opera ■•.•horns and ballet will support the principals und contribute to the kaleidoscope splendour of the stage pictures with which this piece abounds, combining with the music lo fascinate eyes ana ears at the same time.