AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12758, 1 May 1909, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

"THE MERRY

WIDOW" AND "THE

DAIRYMAIDS."

Box plans for "The Merry Widow" and "The Dairymaids," by Mr J. C. Williamson's Royal Comic Opera Co., were open ed yesterday morning at Messrs H. I. Jones and Sons', when large numbers of people, eager to obtain best choice of seats, demonstrated the interest created in the announcement of the production in Wanganui of these world famed musical successes, and in a very short time mo&t of the seats were booked. The mana^-. nt.it emphasises the fact that the Company presenting these works in New Zealand is even stronger than the one responsible for the presentation of "The Merry Widow" in Australia, where it established sucli a markable records all along the line. The quality of the music is said to rise eas~ly aboye that which the public has been accustomed to hear for the past few years in musical comedy, and the plot is considerably more than a usual eob-webby thread. The libretto is crisp and clever, rare fun antl gaiety are in, constant evidence, and there is a nice light and shade both in music, dialogue and action. There is also a wealth of colour. All these combined qualities make for a seductive charm which cannot be resisted. "The Dairymaids is quite different in style although it has a wealth of catchy music and an amusing story in a lighter vein, bristling with original iiumour which keeps the audience in a simmer of laughter throughout. The gymnasium scene and the Sandow girls are attractive novelties. Both plays are said to be staged in a manner equal to the very best traditions of Mr Williamson's methods.