A STUPENDOUS PRODUCTION

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12405, 24 August 1918, Page 8

A STUPENDOUS PRODUCTION

J. C. WILLIAMSON’S REVUE.

“TlllO BING BOYS ABE HERE,

“ Tlio Bing Roys aro Here,” the big J. G. William,son spectacular revue," which rau lor sixteen weeks in Sydney and twelve weeks in Melbourne, is to be staged for the first times in this city at the Theatre Royal this evening. Ibis production has beaten all nrcvioiis records', in tho history of productions of a smiliar character in tho Dominion, so Christchurch theatregoers can look forward to a rich umsioal, treat when “ Tho Bing Boys are Hero” lor their nine nights’ season. There are so many dazzling features in this revue to entertain and interest, that at times the spectator is moved to wonder at tho marvellous stagecraft many of tho scenes present. Tho slanting ladders are a striking spectacle, and the intricate evolutions of the Mandarin girls against a background of innumerable electric lights, all go to make up a, picture of extraordinary attractiveness. The weird Firelight Fancies scene, with its whirlwind of blazing flame, is said to bo another astonishing novelty, whilst the finale of the first act, lor sheer beauty, would be hard to beat in any revue production. It has been abundantly proved that New Zealand playgoers like this kind of entertainment composed of spectacle, comedy and melody. From the first rising of the. curtain till the finale there is a succession of scenes, ballets, choruses, burlesques, dialogues and catchy songs to delight the audience; and tho richness of the dressing and scenery is said to bo beyond previous stage experience m Australasia. The principal ladies wear frocks of fabulous splendour, and the ballet and chorus are little behind them in bright glory. No two scenes are allowed to witness the same Hooking. The revue is arranged, not in. acts, but in eleven divisions, which are called “panels,” each panel being a revelation in gay and costly staging.' No lower than 800 costumes were made lor this production, and the properties and scenic effects include some of the weirdest ever put on any stage. It is usual for a producer to have one assistant stage manager. Bub to give an idea of the magnitude of the work entailed in this revue, John Haskell, the noted London producer, requires at least three in addition to the usual stage manager, the assistants being stationed at various points on tho stage, thus enabling the producer to control the numerous spectacular effects, the intricate lighting, and the army of performers. Over 100 people take part in this production, which is to be staged in its entirety, with tho same cast of principals which characterised the Sydney and Melbourne productions. Miss Minnie Love will be seen in the leading role. She possesses the essential qualifications of a handsome presence, a fine singing voice, superb dancing and unfailing “vivacity | that one can hardly imagine another so accomplished. Miss Hilda Guiver (principal boy in last year’s pantomime) is another fine artist who has a congenial role in this revue. Then there is Clyde Cook, the famous eccentric dancer, Billy Hearno, Fred England, Georoo Brown, Charles Howard, William Stewart, Robert M’Kinnon, Roy Seaton, Nellie Payne, Jennie Opie, Regina Seaton, Myrtle Power, Maie Baird (the clever and accomplished dancer), and those two favourite comedians. Jack Cannot and Leslie Holland, who will be seen in their famous impersonation of the Bing Boys. The box plan for to-nigld s performance is now on view at the Cave Sweet Shop.