FOR NEW ZEALAND

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 124, 23 February 1928, Page 5

FOR NEW ZEALAND

COMING THEATRICAL ATTRACTIONS INTERVIEW WITH MR. E. J. TAIT Mr. E. J. Tait, managing director of the biggest theatrical organisation Australia has ever known, and one of the largest in the English-speaking world, that of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., has arrived in Wellington. ' Messrs. John, Frank, and Nevin Tait are all pretty well known throughout the Dominion, but Mr. E. J. Tait; though ho has passed through Auckland to America on more than one occasion, has never before explored New Zealand in the theatrical or any’ other sense. That is why he intends to do it thoroughly on the present occasion. He motored all the way from Auckland in order to tako in the nature and characteristics of New Zealand, and intends to go right through to Dunedin and Invercargill, in order to get a first-hand acquaintance with, the country. Speaking to a Dominion reporter, Mr. Tait said that the biggest attraction looming on the other side of the Tasman was the advent of the new Williamson-Melba Grand Italian Opera Company, which is to open in Melbourne on May 12. The company was to have originally opened towards the end of April, but Musfeolini interfered. A magnificent new grand opera house has been built in Rome—greater and more beautiful than tho old Coustanza —and Toti dal Monte and other artists engaged by the firm have been "commanded” to appear in the opening performances, which are to be, on a scale of great splendour. The King of Italy and all the royal house of Savoy are to attend the performances, and the great ones of Italy will make a pilgrimage to Rome to be present at the great operatic function. For that reason Mr Tait, who engaged the company, was communicated with in London, and perforce had to consent to the delay. The season in Melbourne will commence with the first performance in this part of the world of Puccini’s posthumous grand opera "Turandot,” which made such a success when produced at La. Scala three years ago, a. success which was repeated in London at Corent Garden last year. . Then the company will be heard in tho two "Manons” (by Puccini and Massenet), "Thais,” “L’Amor di tre Re” (the love of three kings). '’The Jewels of the Madonna” (Wolf-Ferrari). "Lohengrin,” Tannhauser, possibly “The Valkyries,” find, of course, the best known works of Verdi, Puccini, Mascagni, and Leoncavano. Judging by the results of the last grand opera season, there should be no doubt whatever as to the resuits of this one. as the list of artists and conductors is a. brilliant one. The present intention is to send tho company to New Zealand about September or October. ■ Easter Attraction for New Zealand. Mr. Tait said that the probable Easter attraction in New Zealand will be the musical comedy company that will play "Madame Pompadour" and “The Student Prince,” both charming musical plays, with pretty' stories and. beautiful music. “Madamo Pompadour" is an intriguing story of the gay days of France when the brilliant court beauty named in the title ruled the King who ruled France. The setting . and the costumes lend themselves to picturesque treatment, and the stage is a series of wonderful groups all through. "The Student Prince’* is that capital comedy "Old Heidelburg" set to delicious music, The company will open either in Auckland or Wellington. . "One of the latest hits we have made, ha said, "is the musical comedy "The Girl Friend,” which was still running along merrily when I left Sydney, and likely to do so for some time to come. This fs a very funny play, with haunting melodies and plenty, of healthy fun to keep everyone smiling. Anne Croft, the new leading lady, has made a real hit with Sydney people, whilst Leo Frankly n, the new comedian, Gus Bluett, Lorna. Helms, and Reginald Shar land are very capable in their respective roles. The Boucicaults Again. "The Vanbrugh-Boucicault Company is also drawing all the world. Their repertoire consists of 'Caroline,’ 'All the King’s Horses,’ ‘The Letter.’ and a new play by Lonsdale yet to be produced. This conipanv will /probably be in New Zealand in May or Juno. I would like to sav how much I regret ihat the lapt Boucicault Company, playing the J. M. Barrio repertoire, did not come to New Zealand, knowing how much

such, plays would be appreciated in this country, where we know they like tho bettor-class plays. The truth of the matter is that we fully intended to tour that company, but two of our principals, Mr. Brian Ahearn and Miss Agnes Baddeley, had contracts in Loudon which they could not break, and without them wh could not pjay the pieces as wo would like, sb we had to forgo the pleasure and profit of a New Zealand tour; but there is a very good chance of Another company being formed to play the Barrie repertoire through New Zealand. Mystery and Comedy. "Maurice Moscovitch has struck success in Edgar Wallace’s plays ’The Ringer’ and 'The Terror,’ both mystery plays with the element of suspense well sustained; whilst the performance of Beu Travers’s comedy ‘The Cuckoo in the Nest,’ 'Rockery Nook,’ and ‘Thark,’ have been attended with the greatest success. One of the latest plays bought by Sir GeOrge Tallis when in America last year, is ‘The Patsy,’ which was introduced to America by the Duffy Players, who are well known on the Pacific Slope.” On his return from the south, Air. Tait is going to try his luck at deep sea fishing off the Bay of Islands.