PLAYS AND PLAYERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19799, 1 February 1936, Page 17 (Supplement)

PLAYS AND PLAYERS.

Stage Shows Oomlng. Following on the enormous success of its “ White Horse Inn ” production, the Arm of Messrs J. C. Williamson is sending another of its outstanding successes to New Zealand this month. The Gilbert and Sullivan Company that lias been playing in Australia for sev- j eral months past, will commence a Dominion tour at Auckland on February 19. The artists are all people of excoptional versatility who have as a background for their fine operatic work, a very talented ohorus of Australian singers specially chosen Tor their vocal qualifications from a host of applicants. A feast is in store for New Zealand’s region of Gilbert and Sullivan devotees. Later in the year the firm will most likely send its *’ Anything Goes ” company headed by Harry Langdon, the American film and «tage comedian, and Lilian Pertka. the glamorous New York musical comedy star. « Yes, Madam?” Breaking Records. The J. C. Williamson Ltd. Musical Comedy Company appearing in "Aes. Madam?” has broken all records for the Christmas holiday week at His Majesty’s Melbourne, and crowded audiences are continuing to fill His Majesty's. The two acts comprise no fewer than 11 lovely scenes of splendour and spectacle, whilst the ballets, delightful music and the plentiful comedy help to make this one of the most attractive and popular musical productions presented for a long time. Graham Browne 111. Graham Browne was stricken with double pneumonia during the tour of his wife’s new starring piece, “Short Story,” and Marie Tempest contemplated postponing the London opening to stay with him in Leeds. He rallied, a substitute was found, and the play proceeded. He has now taken up his part in the London theatre. An Interesting Revival. “Princess Ida” —revived in Sydney —was first produced there at the Theatre Royal on April 14, 1888. The cast was: Leonora Braham as the Princess, after her London success id Gilbert and Sullivan and Alice Barnett, also from the Savoy as Lady Blanche; E. Phillip (Cyril), Duncan Young (Hilarion), Howard Vernon (King Gama). Edwin Kelly 'King Hildebrand). F. Ridsdale (Florian), Aggie Kelton (Lady Psyche), May Pollard Nelissa), Fred England (Scynthus) and those in. minor feminine parts put Miss before their surnames. It ran three weeks. The first London cast of 4 Princess Ida ” discloses that many of .he players as well as Leonora Brajam, came to Australia later. Henry Braoy, who became a stalwart of the Royal Comic Opera Co., played Hilarion at the Savoy. Charles Ryley was Florian and eventually he was the leading baritone with the same company and a matinee idol. ‘The Wind and the Rain ” In Paris. “ The Wind and the Rain ” has been a success in Paris, translated into French. Vienna is also enjoying a good season of this piece by the New Zealander, Dr. Merton Hodge. In London It is in its third year. His second play, “ Grief Goes Over,” is due in Kew York next month. His third. “The Island.” will be in London early this year. Movie Stars on Australian Stage, Harry Langdon, who has arrived in Sydney to play the leading comedy role In the J. C. Williamson Ltd. musical comedy production. “ Anything Goes,” is a famous screen star and has also done a good deal of stage work. He was a member of the original Mack Sennett team, which included Gloria Swanson, Ford Sterling, and Chester Conklin. His last picture to be released in Australia was “ My Weakness," in which Lilian Harvey was starred. There is tremendous interest in Sydney in his forthcoming appearance. Wherever he goes he is surrounded by a clamouring crowd. Great interest is also being taken In Lillian Pertka. a piatinum blonde who will play opposite Harry Langdon. She was engaged in New York, and has had an outstanding career on stage and screen. New Zealand Actress In London. Constance Garnett’s translation of Anton Tchekov’s 41 The Three Sisters” is attracting large audiences at the Old Vic. London, with a distinguished cast. This play deals with the inner lives of human beings and with the mystery of life; it has been described as a play of infinitely rich humanity, ironic, courageous, and tender.” The three sisters are played by Marie Ney. the New Zealand actress (Olga l Vivienne Bennett (Masha), and Nancv Hornsby Irene), and they present, very effective studies of girls’ longing for what-might-have-been. The number of English people who appreciate Tchekov has grown steadily since “The Cherry Orchard.” Miss Ney is appearing at the Old VIo as a guest-artist. More American Importations. Five important American artists have been engaged in New York for the J. C. Williamson Ltd. production of 44 Three Men on a Horse,” the farce-comedy which is the comedv sensation of the United States, It is being presented by no fewer than six different companies. These are Ray Seabrook, a noted actress who appeared in Will Rogers’ last picture; Fred Sherman, Jonathan Hole, Betty Hanna, and Louis Tanno. The first performance in Australia of 44 Three Men on a Horse,” which has a racing interest, will be given at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, early in March. Versatile Qua Bluett. It is not generally known that inatead of a comedian, Gus Bluett, who ts now appearing in “Yes. Madam?” In Melbourne, might have been a black and white artist. Most of his schooldays were spent in London, and during this period he studied hard to be a black and white artist. But when the family returned to Australia he definitely decided to follow in hfs father’s footsteps and adopt the stage as a career. Hp has not. however, completely lost his skill in drawing’, nnd specimens of his work can always bp seen decorating his dressing - Warren William's next role at Warners will be the lead in 44 Money