MUSICAL PLAY COMING.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 193, 15 August 1931, Page 12

MUSICAL PLAY COMING.

In J. C Williamson’s big spectacular musical play, 'Sons o’ Guns,” which *» to , ” e sta &ed here at the Theatre Royal for a season of seven nights be--011 Saturday night next, August Z2, the leading comedy roles will be presented by those brilliantly clever and very popular artiste, Messrs Gus Bluett, Leo Franklin and Alfred Frith. The three of .them at various times have visited New Zealand as the star artist m important productions staged by ,T. C. Williamson, Ltd. Gus Bluett made his inilf.nl success in New Zealand with Marie tiurke in “Wildflower,” and more recently his humour was the outstanding factor which made “The Girl Friend” one of the most successful musical plays ever presented in the Dominion. In the latter production Leo Franklin’s comedy work and his brilliant f>«icentric dancing stamped him as one of the best artists the Williamson Ltd. management ever imported from London. Both he and Gus Bluett were irresistibly funny in "Hit the Deck,” and it is now said that they have both achieved their outstanding triumphs in “Sons o’ Guns.” Alfred Frith’s name was a household word a few years ago throughout Australia and New Zealand. This reputation he won . in “Going Up,” “The Cabaret Girl” and “A Night Out.” Since he last visited the Dominion Mr Frith has appeared successfully in London and New York, and he has established himself with colonial playgoers by his very humorous drollery as the Major in “Sons o’ Guns.” Miss Bertha Riccardo, who has scored a wonderful triumph in the leading feminine role in “Sons o’ Guns,” has filled the position formerly occupied in J. C. Williamson’s musical comedy company by Maud Fane, and, Miss Agnes , Doyle, who plays the role of Bernice in “Sons o’ Guns,” is the latest “find” by the Williamson management. Critics in Sydney and Melbourne write most enthusiastically regarding her artistry as a comedienne. The cast, which is par- : ticularly long, includes George Jennings, Arthur Cornell, Redge-Carey, Vivian Edwards, Bert Barton, Carleton Stuart, John Harper, Thorold le Brun, Fred Banner, Jack Campbell, Ivan Marshall and other notable artists, including the brilliant specialty dancers, Mona Zeppel and Eric Bush, whose dancing was a ; feature of "The House That Jack Built.”

“Sons o’ Guns” is said to be the most expensive and most spectacular production ever sent on tour by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management and amongst its many features are the brilliant ballets and the clever and original dances. There are over 100 people concerned in the production, which was staged by Frederick Blackman- The ballets and ensembles were arranged by Maurice Diamond, who is to tour New Zealand with the company. A full operatic chorus and orchestra is under the baton of Mr William Redmond. The box plans will be opened at The Bristol Piano Co. on Thursday morning next at nine o’clock. A queue will be formed from 8