"BALALAIKA"

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22511, 20 September 1938, Page 3

"BALALAIKA"

CHRISTCHURCH SEASON TO OPEN ON SATURDAY

To-morrow morning at 9 o'clock the box plans will be opened at the D.I.C. for the production of "Balalaika," whiqh will be presented by J. C. Williamson's Royal Comic Opera Company • for a brief season, beginning with two gala performances at the Theatre Royal next Saturday afternoon and evening. Only five nights can be allocated for the Christchurch season of "Balalaika" and on Saturday afternoon and evening, October 1, and the following, three nights, the company will present a brilliant revival of the delightfully tuneful and picturesque comic opera, "The Desert Song."

J. C. Williamson's New. Royal Comic Opera Company, which comprises more than 100 persons, is regarded as the best organisation of singers, comedians, dancers and specialists that has appeared in any one production since the days when the leading roles were taken by the late Florence Young. George Lauri. Wallace Brownlow. Nellie Stewart," Dorothy Brunton, and Gladys Moncrieff. A glance at the names and reputations of the artists who are to appear in "Balalaika" and "The Desert Song" will make it easy for playgoers to understand why these operas recently attracted record audiences in Sydney. Critics in Australia were enthusiastic about the merits of the performances of Miss Violet Carlson, who, they declared, is the best and most vivacious comedienne that has been seen in the Commonwealth .for many years. Mr George Hancock, the leading) baritone of the company, comes • with a good reputation from London, where he appeared successfully in the leading West .End Theatres. Miss Diana Ducane is a charming young English soprano, whose voice is heard at its .best in the music allocated to her roles. Mr Don Nicol is deservedly popular with playgoers with: his breezy personality , andcharacteristic voice. Playgoers will remember Miss Yvonne Banvard's splendid performances, and this talented artist is said to be at her very best.