Untitled

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18959, 4 January 1930, Page 10

Anxious that Germany shall not leave us behind in the matter of theatre facilities. the Shuberts have constructed in the Majestic an electrically operated stage.'upon which their production of Johann Strauss’ “A Wonderful Night” turns whenever a change of setting is required (says a New York paper). As the new version of the famous operetta calls for fourteen such changes the practical value of the innovation is apparent. Purchased in Europe, the stage operates on a new principle, which capitalizes speed and silence On the Continent there are many such turn-tables. The new stage at the Majestic Theatre is laid upon two huge steel plates, sandwiched with many ball-bearings. Strung about the outside is a special steel cable which reaches into the cellar of the house through two small holes cut into the floor. The cable is attached to a powerful motor,, controlled at the regular switchboard platform, where there is stationed an extra electrician whose sole duty it is to operate the stage. He is equipped with a complete set of music and line cues so timed that the action of the piece may continue without interruption. Numerous rehearsals were necessary before stage and play dovetailed precisely when the former moved in its circular path. Improvements included in the device are its ability to turn in either direction and the five speeds the motor permits.