STAGE PRODUCTIONS.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20189, 8 May 1937, Page 19 (Supplement)

STAGE PRODUCTIONS.

COMPANIES FOR HAMILTON. GEORGE WALLACE RETURNING. Eoorge Wallaoe for Hamilton. George Wallaoe, the popular comfcdlan, will play a farewell season In Hamilton next Friday and Saturday, at the head of the Connors and Paul fevue oompany. The company has been In New Zealand for several hnonths, drawing crowded houses Everywhere At present it is having Its third season In Wellington. There is no better-known or more bopular comedian on the Australian and New Zealand stage than George Wallace. His audience starts laughing as soon as he appears, and keeps un laughing all the time lie is on the ■4fetage. There is a strong supporting programme, including Oueenie Paul and Mike Connors, singers and sketch prtsts; Minnie Love, former musical pomedy favourite, in impersonations pnd impressions: Leo Trennette, tenor; find “ Mademoiselle,” who gives an amazing performance. Gladys Moncrieff for Hamilton. The Williamson company headed by Gladys Moncrieff will appear in Hamilton early in June. The company’s repertoire includes “The Merry Widow,” ‘Maid of the Mountains,” ‘‘Katja the Dancer,” and “Southern Maid,” The company includes Cecil Kelleway, Don Nicol, Arthur Clark, John Fraser, Lois Green, Rene Maxwell, Colin Crane, Lesley Crane (from Auckland), Sidney Wheeler, Miriam Lester, Cecil Pawley, Les Donaghey, Cecil Perry, Gerald Connelly, Jean Slapoffskl, etc., with full chorus and orohestra. New Musical Comedies for Australia. J. C. Williamson Ltd., have engaged George Gee, Percy Le Fre and Valerie Hay to appear in the musical oomedies, “Swing Along” and ‘‘Over She Goes,” in Australia. They will lea,ve England on Ithe Strathnaver, on May 14, and will open the season in Melbourne on July 10. Mr Gee was in New Zealand in “Sally” and other musical comedies some years ago. George Wallace in Another Film. George Wallace, who comes to Hamilton next week, is to make another film at the Ginesound Studio in Sydney shortly. It is to be the story of a meek little man who suddenly becomes a person of consequence in the racing, world. A “ short ” of tiie popular comedian was seen at the Regent Theatre in Hamilton recently and proved one of the most popular items on the programme. Hamiltonian In the South. I Ossie Cheesman, the Hamilton •pianist and piano-accordeonist, is touring the South island with Senla Chostiakoff, the Russian tenor, and Vincent Ryan, the Australian comedian. The long tour of New Zealand will end this month, and Mr Cheesman will then appear at the Majestic Theatre, Wellington, and broadcast from 2YA before returning to his home in Hamilton. Circus for Hamilton. Sole Bros.’ circus and zoo, whloh was so popular a few months ago, will pay a return visit to Hamilton, commencing on Tuesday. The company has just completed a very successful tour of the North Island, and Is now making its way to the north of Auckland where it Intends staying until after the winter, then commencing a tour of the South Island. Sole Bros, have secured many new artists and acts, together with all the old favourites. “Merrle England” In Melbourne. One of the most notable J. C. Williamson productions staged for some time is the firm’s Coronation attraction. "Merrle England”, which was produced at llis Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, on Saturday. With principals who appeared in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, with an augmented operatic orchestra and chorus, a full measure of justice Is done to the lovely music of Sir Edward German. "Merrie England” is in two acts. The fTrst takes place on the bank of the Thames; the second in Windsor Forest. The cast will be:— Bessie Throckmorton . . Strella Wilson Earl of Wessex .... Gregory Stroud Sir Walter Raleigh Leo' Darnton Queen Elizabeth Evelyn Hall Walter Wilkins Clifford Cowley Long Tom Richard Watson .Till-all-. Mono Eileen Kelly The May Queen Helen Langton Marjory Mavis Mclntosh There are twenty-five musical numhers, dances, and ballets in “Merrie T England.” Included amongst thene arc “The Yeomen ot* England.” “Love is Meant to Make us Glad.” “0 Peaceful England.” “King Neptune Sal on his Lovely Throne,” and “Dan Cupid Hath a Garden.” Novel Dance at Sydney Stage Ball. An American ankle balloon dance will lie a novelty at the J. C. William-son-Tivoli Stage Rail at the Trocadero, Sydney on May 18. Each lady will have a balloon tied to her ankle, and it will be her partner’s task to see that she wins by Doing the last on the floor with the Dalloon unbroken. Ttie prize will be 12 pairs of stockings. There will be a floor show’ with irtists from the Theatre Royal and Tivoli Theatre. Gladys MoncriefT will sing. Cecil Kellaway, Don Nicol, Lois Green. Arthur Clarke and the ballot will add to the enjoyment. “Mo” and Joey Porter will entertain. Domestic Rumpus In Russian Ballet. On the last night of the Ballot season in Wellington a little domestic drama was enacted behind the scenes, says a Wanganui paper. One of the ballet directors derided at (lie last minute to replace his wife, a leading ballerina, in one of the ballets. The ballerina wits furious and “ went for” the dancer who was to replace her. Skin and hair were flying, so we’re told, and finally the ballerina bad to be locked in her dressing-room. But at the last minute the ballet director changed his mind and decided to let his wife dance after all. She did, and gave a charming performance. one of the best she had given in New Zealand! Bui when the Wahine sailed for . I vf felt on after the performance there Fvvfls a lot Of voluble talking going on and the ballerina’s husband remained behind on the wharf