“ROSE MARIE” OPENS AT THE THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18393, 20 February 1928, Page 7

“ROSE MARIE” OPENS AT THE THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT.

To-night, at the Theatre Royal, the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management will present, for the first time in Christchurch. the record-breaking musical play “Rose Marie.” which has been running continuously for close or. two years in Australia, and which is now in its fourth year in England. The company arrived yesterday. The management announce that there are still a number of seats in good positions in either the dress circle or reserved stalls for this evening’s gala performance, which may be selected at the box office. It is stated that in Sydney and Melbourne the only nights on which there were vacant seats were the opening ones in each State. There are over 100 people in the production, including all of those who were in the original cast in Sydney. Miss Harriet Bennet, who takes the name part, has established herself as the most popular musical comedy artist who has ever appeared in Australia. It is to her brilliant efforts that portion of the wonderful success achieved by “Rose Marie” is due. The principal comedian is Mr Frederick Bentley, who as Hard-Boiled Herman has scored one of the outstanding “hits" of the production. Mr Reginald Dandy established himself firmly in the affections of Sydney playgoers as the leading juvenile man in the role of Jim Kenyon. and quite a sensational triumph was scored by Miss Stephanie Deste as Wanda. the half-bred Indian girl. Her dancing in the Totem Pole ballet is, it is said, a feature of “Rose Marie.” Others prominent in the cast are Mr George Bryant as Black Eagle. Mr Lou Vernon as Emile La Flamme, Mr Noel Allan as Edward Hawley, and Mr James Hughes as Sergeant Malone. An outstanding feature of “Rose Marie” is the Totem Pole ballet, but it is said that this is only one of a number of wonderful features. The initial matinee of “Rose Marie" will be staged on Wednesday afternoon next.