In the Theatres

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18203, 2 March 1929, Page 13

In the Theatres

“The Desert Song,” is proving such a popular musical play in Melbourne that it bids fair to break the record previously held by “Sally.” This appealing musical comedy, in which Josie Melville played the name part, ran for twenty-six weeks; “Rose Marie” for twenty-five and a half Weeks. “The Desert Song” reached its one hundred and eighty eighth performance on Saturday, February 23rd, so that it was then only twenty performances off “Sally’s” .record, and 1 already beaten the “Maid of the Mountain” figures.

It is not so very long ago when Rowena Ronald, the beautiful Titianhaired girl who is playing important roles in the series or delightful comedies presented by the Vanbrugh-Bouci-cault (J. C. Williamson) company, was taking subordinate parts. But this fine singer and clever actress hod ambitions, and they are gradually being realised. Frederick Blackman was producing “Castles in the Air” for J.C.W. and he electrified Rowena by selecting her for the leading feminine role in that musical comedy'. She has never looked back. And now the great Dion Boucicault predicts for her further success in straight-out comedy. And Rowena’s expressive eyes speak hope and confidence as she looks into the future.

Of the fun-makers in J. C. Williamson musical comedies none is more' popular than Cecil Kellaway, who is with us again \as Olivier Le Dain in the great musical production “The Vagabond King,” described as “one of the most glorious and beautiful musical plays ever presented by this very enterprising firm,” Cecil Kellaway is one of the small bfft brilliant coterie of artists who can really create a part. He is no slavish follower of methods or mannerisms. He submerges himself in the part of the nonce, and after careful study there emerges a character flawless in its presentation as a clear-cut cameo. There is no ostentation with this versatile and brilliant comedian—he does not protrude annoyingly, but is the greatest exponent of real team work ever seen on the stage in this Dominion.

•V p

Mr J. B. RoAve, actor of experience, is one of the most popular members cf the Vanbrugh-Boucicault company nov in New Zealand. He talks most interestingly of the United States ami South Africa in Avhicli countries he has spent many years. He knows every city and toAVn in South Africa, has travelled the United States from East to West, and is as Avell-known in Aoklahoma as he is in New York and San Francisco. Strange to say lie has never played in England, though he is an Englishman by birth.

Not many Australian girls haA'e been accepted by Americans and Canadians as “one of the best,” but StreUa Wilson, who plays the leading feminine role in “The Vagabond King,” the spectacular J. C. Williamson production, can claim that unique distinction. This beautiful Broken Hill girl (whose real name is Austral Wilson) made a triumphant tour oi the United States and Canada. With the well-knoAvn Rigo Opera Company she appeared in many important parts, and later on was cast for leading roles in grand opera in de Feo’s last big Canadian tour. Mr John Tait saw her in New York, and promptly engaged her for principal parts in the Gilbert and Sullivan pro* ductions, AA’liich recently afforded such pleasure to Neiv Zealand audiences.

Considerable interest has been aroused by the statement made by Mr B. J. Tait, managing director of J. C. Williamson and J. and N. Tait, that the world-famous artiste Madame Pavlova Avould be brought to Australia and NeAv Zealand in the near future. This illustrious visitor, who is just concluding a remarkable successful tour of the East Avill appear in Brisbane on March 30, while the Sydney season will commence early in April. One of tier principals will be Miss ltutb French, described by Pavlova as “the greatest English dancer.” Pavlova’s principal partner will be Pierre Vladimiroff, one of the greatest dancers. Miss French is second balleiina and Mile Nina Kirsanova, a famous Russian, artiste, character dancer. What an enthusiastic welcome will be extended to this beautiful woman AA’hose movements truly illustrate “the poetry of motion.”

“The Midnight Frolics” entertaininent is under the personal direction of Clem Dawe and Eric Edgley. The musical direction is entrusted to Gregory Ivan off and Ronald Strafford (a higliely accomp islied pianist), while the stage manager is Oscar Beck. The mechanical department is under the able direction of Harry Phillips; Dresford Hardingham is art Director, Miss D. White is in charge of the extensive wardrobe carried, and Phyllis Amery arranges the various dance scenes and ballets.

There are some beautiful lo\e scenes in “The Vagabond King,'’ and latest and greatest musical success to be sent to New Zealand by J. C. W T illiamson. 1 Strella Wilson and James Liddy make an ideal pair of lovers and as they are acomplished singers with magnificent 'voices, while the music in this spectacular production is quite above the average, their interludes are quite a feature of this entrancing musical play. Rarely have two such great singers been associated in the- one production.

Phyllis Amery, the charming young dancer of “The Midnight Frolics” would have probably been a swimmer of international repute had . her mother not prevented her going abroad to compete. As a swimmer she showed such remarkable promise that a leading Sydney coach strongly advised her to train for English and American championships.