"ALADDIN."

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12585, 16 August 1910, Page 8

"ALADDIN."

A pantomime production, if it is ti succeed in the present dayy of imlimited possibilities of stage mechanism, must display a wealth of splendour still moro wonderful than its predecessor, it must also satisfy the persistent cravino- for novelty, and the demand for brfght comedy fun. How far Mr J. C. Williamson has succeeded in those respects in his production ■ ioi "Aladdm,-.. which' is to be staged at the Opera House on Tuesday and Wednesday next, can, it is stated, be .gauged by the fact that during its 12 weeks'-,run in Melbourne and 10 weeks in Sydney, it broke all the records established m those cities by "Jack and Jill." "Aladdin" is said to bo peppered freely with wonderful mechanical effects, extraordinary clever acrobatism, very tuneful music, flashing lights, highly infectious drollery, and beautiful costumes. Then it is also stated that the company interpreting "Aladdin" is the strongest combination of comedians, singers, dancers, and pantomimists yet organised in the Commonwealth for an entertainment ot this kind. Amongst the mechanical and spectacular effects introduced in "Aladdin," are two that would, it is claimed, score a success for any pantomime. Tho first is a charming balloon effect. Every light in the theatre is turned out, and a balloon, lit from the., interior, and a car floats into the auditorium, moving .slowly round and rising and falling as Miss Nance Maher, its only occupant, sings, "Just a love for someone." The whole of this effect is worked from Ivehind the stage, and it is said that it is as graceful as it 'is novel and effective. The second sensation is t\ "Fire Ballet." In the centre of the iiro maidens' home stands t> fiery furnace, and thence a huge volume oi flame and smoke sweep upwards, while smaller jets rise from many altars. The whole of the moving back scenery is .arranged in order to convey still further the uprush of flame and smoke, the fire maidens themselves carry torches, addin<>- to the brilliant and exciting spectacle. The ballet, it in said, is instinct with movement and rhythm, and the bizarre -effects are heightened by Mr Andrew McCunn's music, which illustrates every phase of the dance. Amongst some of the other specialities are, "The living flag of Ausralia," "The .beautiful Australian bird ballet,'' "The Billikens' ballet," "The great demon incantation scene," the resplendent inarch of the flowors, the sensational acrobatic turn by Messrs Price and Revost, and the fimnyisms of Mr William. Hussan in the guise of the donkey. The pin us will be opened at Tones' on Friday morning next at 8 o'clock.