J.C. WILLIAMSON'S NEW COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 11878, 14 January 1914, Page 7

J.C. WILLIAMSON'S NEW COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

"Till'] COUXT OF LUXEMBOURG."

Extraordinary interest is being taken in the first and only production in Masterton. on Tuesday night next, of Franz Lehar's tuneful :iikl gorgeously mounted musical play, "The Count of Luxembourg,"- which attracted record audiences to Daily's Theatre for 500 nights, and enjoyed a run of over six months in Sydney and Melbourne. Positively only one performance can be given of Lehar's master work. "The Count of Luxembourg" began its career in an auspicious manner in London, as the opening performance was attended by the King and Queen, and King George personally complimented Franz Lehar.on the excellence and success of his work. The prime merit of "The Count of Luxembourg" lies in its musical charm, which, assisted by clever comedy situations, pretty ballets, gorgeous dressing, offfv.tiw groupings. f>nd elaborate scenery made it one of the most successful musical plays staged in Lomlon and Australia during recent years. Franz Lehar, the composer, has, it is said, succeeded in creating a .series of melodies which in daintiness, tunefulness and captivating power, 'excel even those by the same composer in "The Merry Widow. " A voice of the charm and range of Miss Florence Young's naturally makes a deep impression in musical memories, and she will doubtless receive a warm welcome. The present company is particularly strong from a singing point of view as Messrs Reginald Roberts, and Frank Greene, and Misses Celia Ghiloni find Dorothy Brunton are all possessors of good voices. In Mr Phil Smith the -i. C. Williamson management have evidently secured a comedian out. of the ordinary. In Australia he walked right into the front rank of popularity in one bound, and he is noAv an established favourite. Mr Robt. Whvtc, ;junr., Mr Victor Prince, and Mr Charles Albert, are other lau-ghter-makers. The Russian dancer, Ylasta Novotiui, is a great asset to the company. The full orchestra and chorus is under the baton of Herr Gustavo Slapoffski. The plans will be o]>ened at The Dresden on Saturday morning next, at S o'clock.