HEAVY BOOKINGS FOR “RIO RITA,” TO OPEN HERE ON MONDAY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18804, 5 July 1929, Page 6

HEAVY BOOKINGS FOR “RIO RITA,” TO OPEN HERE ON MONDAY.

As • Tin<3 been generally anticipated, there was heavy booking at The Bristol yesterday for Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller’s musical comedy season of “ Rio Rita,” commencing at the New Opera House with si gala performance next Monday evening. In Australia and Wellington many thousands were unable to gain admission to the various performances owing to the seating accommodation being booked well in advance, and it would appear that a similar state of affairs is likely to prevail in Christchurch. Those who wish to make certain of seeing " Rio Rita ” should make early reservations, otherwise they may be disappointed, as it is impossible for the Christchurch season to be extended. Yesterday, during the hours from 9 a.m. till five o'clock, over two thousand seats were reserved at The Bristol, which is the biggest booking here for one day since ” Chu Chin Chow.” “Rio Rita” comes to the Dominion in its entirety, nothing having been deleted, and will be presented here on the same lavish scale as at the St James’s Theatre, Sydney, where it broke all records by playing for seven months to full houses at every performance. Australia has long been recognised as the home of the world's finest ballet girls, and the very cream of these has been chosen for “ Rio Rita.” The result is a beauty chorus and ballet, one of the finest that has ever been seen on the stage, and whose work is a big feature of the show. As Rio Rita, Gladys Moncrieff has the part, that suits her, an intense Mexican girl ,of the Texan border, loving and hating and singing with equal enthusiasm. Her song, “Rio Rita.” is the hit of the piece. Delightful and attractive Janette Gilmore, who makes an outstanding personal success as Dolly, the cabaret girl, performs amazing acrobatics as she dances. in eccentric and tireless style, doing a remarkably dexterous act on roller skates. Dave Mallen is responsible for most of the laughs with which the show is well sprinkled. Mexican in theme, ” Rio Rita ” lends itself to picturesque treatment, to gorgeous scenic effects, vividly aglow and pulsating with life. There is a delicious quality of freshness, a kind of musical naivette about “ Rio Rita” that captivates and delights. Never is there a lull in the swift rhythm of the show. To all who see it, it will be an evening’s sheer enjoyment, and the provider of many happy and colourful memories.