“THE MERRY WIDOW.”

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20207, 29 May 1937, Page 3

“THE MERRY WIDOW.”

GLADYS MONCRIEFF’S RETURN. It Is some years since New Zealand last enjoyed Miss Gladys Moncrieff on the legitimate stage, so the announcement by the directors of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., that they are to present the famous soprano, with a specially selected comic opera company numbering 100 artists, in “The Merry Widow” and “The Maid of the Mountain,” at the Theatre Royal on Monday and Tuesday, June 14 and 15 respectively, will be read with pleasure by playgoers. The revivals of these two operas in Sydney recently, with Miss Moncrieff in- the leading roles, created a furore. It Is safe to state that Gladys Moncrieff is the best and most popular comic opera artist the Australian and New Zealand stage has known for many years. The Williamson management has surrounded Miss Moncrieff with a talented company of popular favourites, including the inimitable comedian Cecil Kellaway, who has delighted us with a number of clever characterisations; Don Nlcol, who will be best known for his humorous interpretation of the waiter in “White Horse Inn”; Eric Bush, who on a former oooasion portrayed the part of Prince Danilo in “The Merry Widow”; Isabel Cue, a clever young Australian soubrette; Arthur Clarke, Carmen Mascagny, Leslie Crane, Gerald Connolly, Cecil Pawley, Peter Dawson, Geoff. Colledge and other favourite artists. A feature of each of the operas will toe the work of the operatic chorus and orchestra, and of the talented Australian ballet. “The Merry Widow,” which will be staged on Monday, June 14, and “The Maid of the Mountain,” which will be presented on Tuesday, June 15, will be staged with new and magnificent ! -scenery and dresses. The box plans will bo opened on Friday, June 11.