SYDNEY GIRL’S SUCCESS.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17605, 9 January 1929, Page 5

SYDNEY GIRL’S SUCCESS.

WON A BEAUTY COMPETITION. Rowena Ronald (who in private life is the wife of the well-known musical comedy actor, Herbert Browne), the beautiful titian-haired Sydney girl, who has created such a good impression in “On Approval,” is yet another Australian girl to make a name for herself on the stage, for her splendid performance in the Lonsdale play shows a poise and intelligence that is remarkable for a first appearance in straight comedy. Rowena first came into prominence by winning a beauty competition organised by “Stage and Society,” which brought her into the chorus of musical comedy. For four or five years she graced the chorus, and when “Madame Pompadour” was produced in Sydney she was made understudy to the star, Miss Beppie de Vries. It was in this production Rowena got the first chance of showing her ability, for Miss de Vries became ill, Rowena taking her place for quite a few performances, playing the Pompadour with remarkable skill and charm. Then, somehow, the clever girl more or less stepped out of the limelight back into the chorus, when suddenly, with the suddenness for which “The Firm" is renowned, she was given the leading role in (he musical comedy, “Castles in the Air.” Who will ever forget her loveliness in that romantic, dream-like play? She was a fairy princess come to life! Dion Boucieault first tried her out in “Shall We Join the Ladies?” a cur-tain-raiser to "Belinda,” which was given for a charity matinee.