PLAZA THEATRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 126, 29 May 1936, Page 12

PLAZA THEATRE

‘ ‘METROPOLITAN” The magic of song is to be a principal attraction to-day and to-night at the Plaza Theatre, where Lawrence Tibbett is starred in 20th Century’s “Metropolitan/’ the bright and charming romance of a young tured with sympathy, vigour and an abundance of sparkling comedy, 4 ‘Metropolitan” traces Tibbett’s career as a young singer who can brook no delay, launches out on the world on his * own, meets discouragement, disappointment, romance, and, at last—recognition. His trail crosse? that of Virginia Bruce, and there is affection between them immediately. But because Alice Brady, who controls the money in their operatic company, is jealously fond of him, they must conceal their affection. Between placating Alice Brady and attending to the wild vagaries of George Marion, sen., the orchestral conductor, Tibbett, has his work cut out for him. When, at last, Miss Brady deserts the company all seems to have gone for nothing. But ingenuity and courage solves the problem, and the climax presents Tibbett as the hero of the evening, wildly applauded after his sensational debut. In the course of the action, Tibbett sings selections from “Pagliacci,” “Carmen,” and “The Barber of Seville/’ as well as a number of compositions. ■ In magnificent voice throughout, Tibbett reveals new possibilities as a romantic actor in “Metropolitan.” Miss Bruce is charming and- lovely in the. romantic lead. Miss Brady is still one of the most effective comediennes the screen boasts. In the supporting roles Cesar Romerc, Thurston Hall, and Luis Alberni arc outstanding. “Metropolitan” was personal!'’ produced by Darryl 1-. Zannrk, and directed Richard Boloslaw-