"BALALAIKA"

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22509, 17 September 1938, Page 9

"BALALAIKA"

INTEREST IN COMING COMIC OPERAS

REVIVAL OF "THE DESERT SONG"

No musical play yet staged in New Zealand has created so much interest as that taken in the production of "Balalaika," which will be presented here by J. C. Williamson's Royal Comic Opera Company, for a limited number of nights only,--beginning with two gala performances oh Saturday after-

noon and evening next. The season wilUbe for 10 nights only, and on the last few nights'the company will appear in a briiliant revival of the exquisite comic opera "The Desert Song," which enjoyed a record tour when it was staged in New Zealand several years ago. . .

"Balaika" is regarded as the biggest and most expensive theatrical attraction ever sent to New Zealand, there being no fewer than 150 people concerned in ■ its representation. The story of ."Balalaika" is intensely' interesting, and the. music, which includes many glorious melodies, was specially written for the play. Opening on New Year's Eve in a Parisian cabaret/ which is staffed with Russian aristocrats who have lost their all, the story goes back to the greatness, of Russia in ' 1914: Aristocrats of the old regime are introduced as street singers, commissionaires, and in other humble roles at the Balalaika Cafe, owned by a couple who were formerly inconspicuous stage hands a' the famous Marinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. The capital of Russia in Tsarist days forms for some sumptuous scenes of palaces cafes, and the Marinsky Theatre. All the while the story is being told of the great love of the high-born officer for a dancing girl—a love that was to survive all the storm and stresses of war and revolution.

"Balalaika" will introduce to playgoers the brilliant young New York comedienne, Miss Violet Carlson, whose outstanding artistry has greatly assisted to make "Balalaika" a recordbreaking success wherever it has been staged. Mr George Hancock, who is also making his first appearance here, is said to make a soldierly figure as a Cossack lover. Miss Diana Ducane, as the dancer who comes to be daughter of the Soviet Ambassador to France is said to be most captivating, and her excellent, soprano, voice is heard in some delightful musical numbers. It is questionable whether a more popular comedian than Don Nicol has ever appeared in New Zealand and his reappearance in the whimsical role of Nicki will be welcomed. Gaston Meryale has not appeared in New Zealand for many years, but playgoers will remember his former dramatic and comedy characterisation. Yvonne Banvard was the popular soubrette in thr original production of "Rose Marie." ?.£ , ? he , nas ample opportunities in Balalaika."

The box plans will open at the D.I.C next Wednesday morning.