SHOWS IN SYDNEY.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17804, 31 August 1929, Page 17 (Supplement)

SHOWS IN SYDNEY.

SOME NEW PRODUCTIONS.

LEON GORDON IN THRILLER. SYDNEY, August 21. On Saturday night Leon Gordon, after a successful season with "Brewster’s Millions,” will be seen in another exciting Edgar Wallace play, “The Squeaker.” The supporting cast will include Frank Bradley, Mary McGregor, Eileen Sparks, Gaston Mervale, Mayne Lynton, Leslie Victor, George Blunt, Leonard Stephens, 13. N. Lewin, Eve Ormonde and Herbert Leigh. Gus Gets Offer from Lc don. Gus Bluett had a cable on Saturday last from Cyril Rltchard, who is doing so well In London ,asklng Gus If he could open in a London show In February. But Gus is under contract to J. C. Williamson, appearing In “The Five o’clock Girl,” so had | to refuse. “ Lombardi’s, Ltd.,” In Sydney. Leo Carillo, one of Broadway’s comedy stars, will make his first Australian appearance in “ Lombardi’s Ltd.,” at the Criterion Theatre. “ Lombardi, Ltd.,” was written specially for Carillo by Frederick and Fanny Hatton. The story is written round a fashionable dressmaker’s establishment, which is owned by an excitable and handsome Italian, Tito Lombardi. A brilliant cast will support Carillo, with Beatrice Luddy and Margaret Cullen-Landis in the roles they played in the American production. Natalie Moya (in New Zealand in “ Young Woodley”), Rowcna Ronald (Mrs Herbert Browne), Brandon Peters, and Maidic Hope will also play important parts. Roger Barry Seasick. The worst has happened I Roger Barry got seasick during the yacht scene in “Brewster’s Millions” the other night. And no wonder, for he is never off that rocking boat during the scene. "The Best People," that smart American comedy, has been revived by Frank Neil, who has the support of Field Fisher, Leslie Woods, Paul Longuet, Rodway Gainford, Bertie Wright, Agnes Dobson, Hilda Attenbro, Lily Molloy, Merle Roberts, and Sallie Maxwell. "The Best People” enjoyed a record run three years ago at the same theatre, and the revival should be popular. Allan Wilkie for Sydney. The Allan Wilkie Company will return to Sydney in October to play a season of old English comedies, including "The School for Scandal,” "The Rivals,” and “She Stoops to Conquer.” If a Metropolitan theatre can be obtained it is proposed to open the new season on October 19. “The Five o’clock Girl” Popular. A whirl of girls and gaiety is J. C. Williamson’s new musical comedy, “The Five o’clock Girl,” which is proving very popular. Mr Alfred Frith, who plays the part of the valet, has ample scope for fun-making. The big cast is a particularly capable one. Helen Patterson, the beautiful American blonde, plays the five o’clock girl; William Valentine is the wealthy young bachelor whom she telephones | every day at five o’clock ,and important roles are played by Gus Bluett, Cecil Kelleway, and Tui Black. The Kendalls appear in some fine dance specialities. When “The Five O’Clock Girl" has run its course in Sydney the company will be seen in a new musical comedy, “Hold Everything." Alfred Frith and Gus Bluett—a great combination —will be chief comedians.

New Stage Director for Sydney. Stage presentations at St. James Theatre, Sydney, which recently passed into the hands of Union Theatres, Ltd., by arrangement with the owners, Fullers’ Theatres, Ltd., will be in the hands of Mr Sonny Miller, who was recently brought to Australia by Union Theatres to superintend some of their most lavish stage productions. Mr Miller within recent years has been directing presentations for Mark Brothers, of Chicago, and in other leading American cities. lie is considered one of the ten big song writers of America. Some of his hits are “I Don’t Know Why I Should Cry Over You,” “Just Lovely,” “Russian Doll,” “and “Kiss and Make Up.” Mr Miller is an Englishman by birth, and though he has lived in America for the last 15 years has retained his British nationality.