"BALALAIKA"

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22515, 24 September 1938, Page 11

"BALALAIKA"

GALA PERFORMANCES TO-DAY SPECTACULAR MUSICAL PLAY This afternoon, beginning at 2 o’clock, and this evening, starting at 8 o’clock. J. C. Williamson’s Royal Comic Opera Company will commence a brief season in two gala representations of the spectacular musical play, “Balalaika.” which has proved outstandingly successful in London, on the Continent, in New York, and Australia. Last night’s scenic and lighting rehearsal, which was conducted under the supervision of Mr H. C. Nightingale, the stage manager for the company, passed off without a hitch, so playgoers may be assured of smooth performances this afternoon and this evening. Although the booking has been very heavy, it is so well distributed over the various performances of “Balalaika” that seats in central positions in either the dress circle or reserved stalls for this afternoon’s and this evening's performances may be selected at the D.I.C. until 11.30, and afterwards at the Theatre Royal. So that intending patrons of the ordinary stalls may not have to stand in a queue this evening, a limited number of seats at ss, plus the tax, may be reserved at the D.I.C. this morning or afterwards at the theatre. Tickets, for the back stalls and gallery may be procured at the Theatre Royal confectionery shop. Only six evening performances can be staged of “Balalaika,” and a final matinee will be presented on Wednesday afternoon. On Saturday afternoon and evening next, and on the following three nights, the company will appear in a brilliant revival of the tuneful and very attractive comic opera, “The Desert Song,” which is as popular to-day as when it was first produced. “Balalaika” is a comic opera that is pleasing both to the ear and the eye. It fulfils every expectation. It is spontaneous, unhackneyed, and vital, with such music and dancing as are a sheer delight. As a spectacle, it is said to eclipse any production ever staged in New Zealand, and its comedy scenes are refreshingly wholesome and genuinely humourous. “Balalaika” unfolds an intensely interesting love story, the interest of which is maintained until the final fall of the curtain. Playgoers are looking forward with keen interest to the new members of the company and those already known to Christchurch will doubtless be warmly welcomed. Miss Violet Carlson, who is the comedienne of the company, is a brilliant young New York actress. She achieved a triumph on the first night in Wellington. Mr George Hancock is a brilliant young London baritone, who has to leave an important engagement to accept Williamson’s attractive offer to come to Australia and New Zealand for the production of “Balalaika.” Mr Hancock has a voice of exceptional range and quality which is heard at its best in the splendid music attached to the' role of Count Peter Karagin. Miss Diana Ducane is a dainty English actress who sings and dances attractively iA the leading soprano role. That brilliantly clever comedian, Don Nicol, who will be remembered for his fine performance In VThe White Horse Inn,” and later in “The Merry Widow,” Is said to be highly amusing in the whimsical role of Nicki.