GLGADYS MONCRIEFF’S SEASON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 133, 7 June 1937, Page 9

GLGADYS MONCRIEFF’S SEASON

I “MERRY WIDOW" AND “MAID OF THE I That. Miss Gladys Moncricff who is . I making her re appearance here with i J. C. Williamson Ltd.’s comic opera ■ company in “The Merry Widow" and ‘The Maid of the Mountains” at the • Opera House on Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19 is just as popular in "'New Zealand as she is in Australia was proved by the remarkable reception which greeted her when she ■ made her reappearance in Auckland and Wellington and Christchurch rcI cently. She was greeted with cheers I from all parts of the theatre when she I first appeared on the stage in the role ’of Sonia and numerous encores were | demanded of all her principal numj bers. Then, at the close of the per- ' formance, almost with one accord, the • delighted audience—a record one for Auckland—stood up and cheered the famous prima donna again and again. In selecting “The Merry Widow” and “The Maid of the Mountains" for the local season the management decided that playgoers would prefer to enjoy Miss Moncrieff in the two operas in which she has scored her best triumph. The role of Sonia in “The Merry Widow” gives Miss Moncrieff special opportunities both as a singer and an outstanding actress. Cecil Kellaway, the principal comedian of the organisation, is a general favourite with New Zealand playgoers. Quite recently he took the leading role in a talking picture en- : titled “It Isn’t Done," and his very excellent performance in it had the effect of obtaining for him a tempting 12 months engagement at Hollywood, which he has accepted, and he wjl leave for America at the termination of the present tour. Don Nicol is a firm favourite with New Zealand playgoers, and he is undoubtedly a genuinely humorous comedian. Eric Bush, who takes the role of Prince Danillo in “The Merry Widow” and “Baldasarre” is regarded as the finest and youngest juvenile lead in Australia. Mr. Arthur Clarke's fine tenor voice is heard to advantage in “The Merry Widow” both operas and Miss 1 Carmen Mascagny, a brilliant young I soprano will sing the important role of Nathalie in “The Merry Widow.” Miss Isobelle Cue, a talented young comedienne, will make her first appearance here in the part of Frou Frou in “The Widow.” Other prin- , cipal artists are Leslie Crane, Cecil Pawley, Gerald Connolly, Leslie Donaghey, Peter Dawson, Sundau Wenman and other favourite artists, i A feature of both productions will be' the excellent work of the operatic. i chorus and orchestra. The box plans i will be opened at the D.I.C. on Wed- i nesday, June 16.