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

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 11883, 20 January 1914, Page 7

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

"THE COUNT OF LUXEMBOURG. " TO-NIGHT.

At 7.30 this evening, the curtain will rise on tho initial production here of Franz Lehar's charming and delightfully tuneful and merry musical play, "The Count of Luxembourg," which will be interpreted by J. C. Williamson's new comic opera company, comprising over 150 artists. Seats in good positions may bo reserved at the Dresden. The stago manager arrived yesterday to conduct a scenic and lighting rehearsal, which will prevent a hitch occurring. "Tho Count of Luxembourg" is packed with catchy songs, delightful melodies, pretty dances, and gorgeous settings, and it possesses a fascinating story. Franz Lehar's work would always command a certain success were it performed by a mediocre company, but to a large extent the success which it achieved in Australia can bo attributed, it is said, to the manner in which the various principal roles are represented. Special interest centres in the reappearance here of Miss Florence Young as in no part of Australia is the famous soprano more popu lar than in Masterton. Had Miss Young chosen a career in grand opera there is hardly a doubt that her magnificent voice wonlil have placed her name amongst those of the world's greatest singers. If only as a singer Miss Young would be a great asset to any musical company, but, in addition, she possesses a line stage appearance, and is one of the best actresses we have, yet enjoyed in comic, opera. Miss Young shares with Mr Frank Greene, the honours in the much talked of waltz on the staircase. Franz Lehar's music gives Mr Frank Greene excellent opportunities for the display of his rich baritone voice; and Miss Dorothy Brunton has also a most congenial role to pourtray. Miss Celia Ghiloni is also seen to grout advantage in Lehar's opera. Visitors to the theatre are always fond of a good hearty laugh, and therefore they are always keenly interested in the leading comedian of a company. In the present instance they will have an oportunity of welcoming Mr Phil Smith, whe hails from the principal London theatres. The new comer, it is said, is a great acquisition to the new comics, and, as Brissard he is said to be very funny. Mr Robert Whj-tc, Jnr., Mr Victor Prince and Mr Charles Albert assist in laughter making. The addition of Vlasta Novotna, tho brilliant and handsome young Russian dancer, is a tower of strength to the company. In to-night's performance she and Charlie Albert will be seen in tho "Danse Pompenotte," which created a perfect furore of enthusiasm in Australia. A specially augmented orchestra and chorus is under the baton of Herr Gustavo Slapoffski, and Dick Shortland is stage manager. Mr Wybcrt Stanford is travelling with the company.