In the Theatres

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18382, 28 September 1929, Page 13

In the Theatres

A wonderfully enthusiastic reception has been accorded the great J. C. Williamson musical production “The Desert Song” which opened its New Zealand tour at Wellington to a crowded and delighted audience. The general opinion is that it is one of the most pleasing, spectacular and melodious musical plays ever sent across the Tasman by the Firm. All the performers gave of their best, and the result was that the conclusion of the final act there was a general recall, not only of the principals but of the whole of the members of this big company. The cheering was renewed when Lance Fairfax returned his hearty thanks, very modestly stating that the success of the performance was due to the splendid manner in which all the members of the Company had played their respective .parts. Interviewed in his dressing room, after the performance, Mr Fairfax said he and the

other artists were more than pleased at the enthusiastic manner with which the audience had greeted their initial performance. To this talented young performer who has made such a success of the leading juvenile role in this beautiful musical play, it must be doubly gratifying to return to the scene of his boyhood days, and meet with the wonderful reception accorded him. That he and other members of the company thoroughly deserved the plaudits is generally acknowledged by Press and public.

Miss Romola Hansen, the youthful and charming leading lady of the J. C. Williamson “Desert Song” company, which opened its New Zealand tour most auspiciously, is one of the most delightful young ladies appearing under the management of the Firm. To a Pressman who inquired as to her recreations, she said that she was exceedingly fond of the open air life. “The blue sky, the warm sunshine, the rippling water, the green-covered hills, and the rugged mountains —all have an attraction for me,” she said. ‘‘l simply love the open air life, and am perfectly happy to be where nature is to be seen at its best. I am not what might be called an athletic girl, but I believe in exercise that develop the body, while of course, study—particularly close study—must assuredly develop the mind. I am particularly fond of riding, and when ever opportunity offers, I indulge in this exercise.” Then with a burst of youthful enthusiasm, with an evident recollection of the enthusiastic reception accorded her for her realistic acting and beautiful singing in “The Desert Song,” she exclaimed, “What enthusiasm New Zealand audiences do display! I will never forget the splendid manner in which they received the efforts of myself and the other members of the ! Company, on the opening night in this delightful country. They seem to make one feel thoroughly at home and there gradually grows a splendid comradeship between audience and artiste. This appreciation spurs one on to give of one’s very best. I do sincerely hope I have realised their highest expectations.” Judging by the wonderful enthusiasm displayed by audiences at the performance of this charming young girl, Miss Hansen need have no further apprehension on this point.

A New Zealand correspondent writing from Sydney, apropos of theatrical productions in the New South Wales capital, say: “New Zealanders will, I am confident, be more than pleased at the very realistic manner in which Nat Madison and the other members of the J. C, Williamson company present the thrilling dramas “No. 17” and “Dracula.” I have witnessed many productions, both dramatic and musical in various parts of the world, but I do not remember having seen two dramas presented in such accomplished style as the two sensational plays I have mentioned. The company is strong in every department that makes for success. Miss Bertha Riccardo, in my* opinion, is one of the most charming and clever actresses engaged by the Firm, and when one considers that she has been successful in other departments, such as musical comedy, etc., one is more than astonished at her remarkable versatility. The head of the Company, Nat Madison, gives in each drama, a most impressive performance. In “Dracula” and “No. 17,” he plays characters of vastly different type. He is surely a worthy son of a great dramatic artist.

Lance Fairfax, who plays the leading juvenile role in the beautiful and spectacular musical production “The Desert Song,” has already given evidence that he is as good an actor and singer as he was a soldier in the Great War. W’ith becoming modesty Mr Fairfax declines to give any details of his military career beyond stating that he did only what many thousands of others did and that whatever distinction and honour came his way, was as much due to the splendid heroism of his companions as it was to any effort of his. “I was lucky” he says, “in being the one singled out. There were many others who deserved honours mere than my poor self.” After the War, his father expressed the desire that he should remain in the army, but this did not appeal to Lance Fairfax and he decided to return to Australia and endeavour to make good on the concert or theatrical stage. That he has succeeded, will be generally admitted by all who have

witnessed his telling performance, not only as the “Red Shadow” in the “Desert Song” but in leading roles in Gilbert and Sullivan and other noted musical productions. It is not generally known that both Sir Thomas Beecham, who heard Lance Fairfax in an audition at Covent Garden and Rosina Buckman, the great singer, predicted a brilliant future for this young New Zealander.

Those who can claim an intimate I acquaintance with Nat Madison, the clever young actor who will head the J. C. Williamson company playing “No. 17” and "Dracula,” in the coming New Zealand tour, state that he is one of the most studious and hard-working actors who has ever appeared on the Australian of New Zealand stage. He is a great student of human nature, he is most observant and pays strictest attention to the slightest detail. In this, he follows the example of his father, Maurice Moscovitch, one of the most talented members of the profession ever seen in this part of the world. There are many who are today predicting that in the years to come Nat Madison will rise to dramatic ! heights which will put him on level with the most illustrious members of the theatrical profession. To him, his work, his play and his part are everything. “To fail to give to an audience of one’s best, is nothing else than dishonesty,” he says. “To slack even during one single performance is not playing the game.”

Herbert Mundin, the clever and versatile comedian who provides most of the fun in the J. C. Williamson musical play “The Desert Song” (in which he is ably assisted by Miss Renee Murphy) is delighted with what he has so far seen of New Zealand. There are such wonderful opportunities for people of the Dominion; he thinks that those who live under the Southern Cross should be , well satisfied with their general lot in life. There is such a general prosperity evident in the people, there is such opportunity for those who seek it, and there is such room for expansion that one can quite imagine what a great and glorious place this is and how richly endowed New Zealanders are. • “This, as you know, is my first visit to New Zealand,” he said the other day, “but I am not paying an empty compliment when I say that I sincerely hope that my future lines will be so cast that I may return to this beautiful island again and again.”

In connection with the coming New Zealand tour of Nat Madison and the New J. C. Williamson dramatic company which will afford an opportunity to Dominion theatre-goers of witnessing two gripping dramas, “No. 17” and “Dracula” it must not be concluded that these sensational productions deal only with thrills and mysteries. A pronounced vein of humour runs through both, and while in “Dracula” Nat Madison plays a tragic part, in “No. 17” he is responsible for a good deal of wholesome humour, which never fails to be appreciated. There is a commendable light and shade in both these outstanding productions., with the result that the weird and thrilling incidents are opportunely relieved by welcome humorous interludes.

Leila Karnelly, a real Russian countess, will play the role of “Olga,” a Russian girl in the Fox Movietone picture. “The Cock-Eyed World.” The countess holds the distinction of playing the leading role in one of the mos. important releases and accomplishing this honor after a most competitive searching of all the available beauties of the screen. This fs her first big chance.

American manufacturers are expecting to export one million motor-cars this year.

Collecting the designs of coal-shoot covers is the unusual hobby of a Norfolk doctor. He has found and copied more than 150 different designs in London.