SENSATION IN SYDNEY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 186, 7 August 1936, Page 10

SENSATION IN SYDNEY

VIENNESE STAR SAILS. PLAYED ONLY A WEEK. Maria Elsner, Viennese star, sailed unexpectedly for London and Vienna last week to honour a promise to the man who made her famous, the composer, Franz Lehar. Lehar “discovered” Miss Elsner and cast her in his own compositions which he conducted at the Vienna Grand Opera House. And on the eve of her departure for Australia he made her promise to return as soon as necessary to appear in a new operetta he was composing. Last week came a cable from the composer asking her to be in Vienna at the end of August. What else could she do? Mr. E. J. Tait, managing director of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., lent a sympathetic ear to the star's pleading. Although it was less than a week since her debut in “The Gipsy Princess,” it was finally agreed that she should be released from her contract in time to catch the Orama. Marie Bremner, one of the most popular artists, the Australian stage has sponsored, was hurriedly called, was offered the leading role, and was asked to be ready to take the part in 48 hours. Miss Bremner, who possesses remarkable memory, was equal to the task. When she went on to play Miss Elsner’s role she was word perfect. The audience, however, was ignorant of the fact that she had been in the theatre since 9.30 that morning and had not even had time to eat. The packed house gave her a great reception. After a few nights the imported English baritone lead, Dunstan Hart, who had been criticised by the press, withdrew from the cast, and was replaced by Arthur Clarke, an Australian. Thus, of the three imported leads, only one —Charles Heslop, leading j comedian -remains. 1 Hugh Walpole is on his way to Eng- ' land, where he will spend the sum-