“BALALAIKA" SEASON

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22514, 23 September 1938, Page 7

“BALALAIKA" SEASON

- /he spectacular J. C. Williamson wasical comedy, “Balalaika,” which opens at the Theatre Royal to-morrow. Will introduce for the first time"; a dashing young Englishman in the role of a Russian nobleman, whose romance with a ballerina of the court ballet ‘corps provides the motif for all the glittering pageantry that follows their meeting and separation. This is George Hancock, who has been making a big hit in Australia in “Rose Marie.” He sang with the Royal Philharmonic Society at the Queen s Hall, London, under Sir Thomas Beecham in Berlioz’s "Faust,” in association with John Brownlee. He is a baritone with a real flair for acting. _ ■- Diana Ducane is no stranger to New Zealand audiences; she is a charming aiiiger and actress, recently seen _m New Zealand in the Australian - film "Broken Melody.” Violet Carlson was imported recently from New York for the Dominion tour of “Balalaika. She is a lovely singer and actress with a leaning to comedy. Don Nicol is one of the funniest comedians ever seen in New Zealand. Also taking. part are Gaston Mervale, a veteran Williamson *tar, Douglas Herald, and others. As chief dancer and leader of the The'- production - isvxeleased - through.

Opening atr Theatre Royal ’ To-morrow

Russian ballet that dances through the musical play, Thadee Slavinsky repeats the sensation he made when he was in the Dominion with Colonel de Basil’s Monte . Carlo ballet last ‘ year. Brilliant dancing is seen in this production, which is regarded in Australia as Frederick Blackman’s masterpiece in a long series of stagecraft' successes. “Balalaika” is assured of a triumphal Dominion season on its own merits. . ' - . , The second piece in the company s repertoir is "Desert Song.” in. which George Hancock forsakes Russian costume for the burnous and mask of the mysterious Red Shadow, whose unmasking provides such a sensational surprise in - - this ■ musical play - set in the desert. The love story of Margot, daughter of - a French military: com. mander, :for the mysterious horseman whose advent sets up a train of espion-age-and intrigue makes “Desert Song an ideal vehicle for the singing and acting ■ talents of the, very .efficient “Balalaika” company.,, Diana -Ducane appears as Margot, the charming French girl. Don Nicol will be the amusing Benjamin Kidd, who, with Susan, provides the humour of the'piece. Susan wiU be -played by ; that- fascinating ; Ameiicanmgenue r 1