"SAN TOY."

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18365, 24 April 1925, Page 22

"SAN TOY."

For tho last month a score of little ladies been learning the correct method of manipulating a Chinese fan; guards of a Chinese mandarin havo acquired the correct procedure to bo observed at Court, and the many other characters essential to an Oriental story have learned their parts to perfection. Consequently, when "San Toy" is produced at tho Theatre Royal on Monday evening, it should eclipso any other amateur pferiormance ever seen in Christchurc.h. The leading characters have been chosen .froni among tho best talent in Christchureh, and under the direotion of Mi" Harrison Cook, late of the Carl Rosa Opera Co., London, they hav6 attained a fine standard of proficiency. Christclmrch folk already know what Aliss Hazel Favilla can do, but her work this year oxcpls anything she has yot done. A charming voice and a delightful stage presence make her an admirable leading lady. Miss Roria Vanghan is an accomplished dancer, and it will fall to her lot to interpret some dainty measures. Messrs M. Seed, Frank Morrison, Rox Hobbs, Kail McKivitt, Claude Burrows and dozens of others, all well-known in the city, havo been assigned suitable parts. "San Toy" 13 ona of the most delightful musical stories ever told. There are haunting retrains and lilting choruses by Harry Greenbank and Adrian Rosa, and the Chinese setting gives everyOna an opportunity to display gorgeous frocks and costumes. The ballets have been arranged by Miss Iris Montgomery, and these alone should be worth seeing. It is miny Years since Christchnrch saw "San Toy."' and even then its theatre patrons never sawit presented by a London producer. The booking for the first night is heavy, and a record season is expected.