“BALALAIKA”

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22514, 23 September 1938, Page 10

“BALALAIKA”

A SPECTACULAR' OPERA CHRISTCHURCH SEASON OPENS XO-MORRiOW' v- ''f To-morrow afternoon, beginning at 2 o’clock, and to-morrow night, beginning at 8 o’clock, Ji C. Williamson: Theatres, will present their Comic Opera Company, comprising more than 100 travelling members, in two gala opening performances of the stupendous musical romance, “Balalaika,”’ which has just concluded a record season in Wellington. Critics and playgoers alike have acclaimed it to be by far the. most spectacular and most entertaining comic opera that has been seen there for many years.

The approaching season is strictly limited to eight nights, five of which will be devoted, to “Balalaika,” and oh Friday and the following two nights the company will present a splendid revival of the popular and attractive musical play. “The Desert Song,” in which the company achieved an out-' standing triumph in Wellington last Saturday night. The whole of the scenery and effects are already installed in the Theatre Royal, and this evening a full scenery and lighting rehearsal will take place under the supervision of Mr H. C. Nightingale, who will arrive from Wellington this morning.

Seats at 5s for to-morrow-night may be booked to-day at the D.I.C. , The fact that “Balalaika” enjoyed record seasons in London and New York, and that it met with remarkable successes in Australia has naturally whetted the appetite of local play-, goers toi witness it. “Balalaika’!.- jwill introduce to playgoers a number of artists, who are well and popularly: known, in the Dominion, and several who Will make their first appearance here, and come with established reputations from London and New' York. “Since the days of Dorothy Brunton,” wrote a Sydney critic, “we have, not enjoyed a comedienne with such outstanding artistry, as, Miss Violet Carlson. She is 'particularly attractive, she has a bright and very pleasing personality, she dances cleverly, and as a .comedienne she may be compared with the best 'the Commonwealth has ever known.” Special interest will be taken in the debut here of .. Mr George Hancock, who made an instantaneous triumph, in Australia in the leading baritone role. Miss- Diana Ducahe is a delightful young English soprano, who has also become a great favourite with playgoers of Australia. Don Nicol has entertained in a . number of - important musical attractions, and it is said that he is funnier , than ever in “Balaliaika.” “Balalaika’ 1 -.is a mammoth production, and promises great entertainment by reason of its comic interludes, its singing and dancing. ‘ i Frederick Blackman’s expert production of the .opera is such that it is a sequence of amazingly beautiful scenes, changing with bewildering rapidity, its natural background being one of the most absorbing points of interest in a musical play, teeming with possibilities . ’