‘RUSE MARIE'

Evening Star, Issue 19800, 25 February 1928, Page 6

‘RUSE MARIE '

THE DUNEDIN SEASON Considerable interest has been manifested in the announcement that the great J. C. Williamson success, ‘Rose Marie,’ is now in New Zealand, and that the opening performance in Dunedin will be at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday; March 10. There are many exquisite senses in this beautiful and spectacular play—it is more than a musical comedy, though there are some side-splitting incidents in the various acts. There is the lovely scene of the Canadian Rockies in the first act. and this in itself is unforgettable. It is one of the most beautiful pictures ever presented on the stage. Then, in addition, there is the ballroom scene in the second act, while the Totem pole lodge is also impressive, and the dance is one of the great features of the performance. As for the play itself there is much more than the usual semblance of a plot. It is described as a musical play, but it is quite different from the light musical productions to which we have become accustomed. It is really founded on a melodrama that contains a murder, and elaborated and amended so as to include the elements of operetta, musical comedy, revue, and spectacle, and in each and every respect it reaches the highest standard, jn places this wnnderfnlly successful musical play rises to the dignity of opera, and in all the scenes there is a strange fascination. To suit the changing aspects of the story, which in itself is a gripping one, the composers, Herbert Stothart and Rudolf Friml, have made their music as varied as possible, and some of it brings reminiscences of the work of composers of world-wide renown. There are softly-flowing love songs, rousing marches, strange and blood-stirring barbaric themes, lilting dance tunes, and excited outbursts in the Puccini style. Much of the music is quite out of the common, and some of it is remarkably appealing. Even the spoken dialogue is supported with orchestral color. The gracefully fashioned ‘lndia Love Call,’ and the song that takes its name from the play arc heard throughout at appropriate intervals. The Totem pole dance is one of the most spectacular scenes ever staged, and in this Stephanie Deste and the ladies of the ballet excel themselves. The company is a remarkably strong one, and includes such high-class artists as Stephanie Deste as Wanda, the Indian halfbreed girl; Harriet Bennet in the title role; Reginald Dandy as Jim Kenyon, the lover; Frederick Bentley as Hard-boiled Herman; George Bryant as Black Eagle ; Yvonne Banvand as Lady Jane; Mabel Lambeth as Ethel Brander: James Hughes as Sergeant Malone; Lou Vernon as Emile La Flamme; Noel Allan as Edward Hawley, with selected ladies and gentlemen of the ensemble. This spectacular play is produced by Mr George A. Highland, while the ballets and dances have been arranged by Miss Minnie Hooper. The box pla/i arrangements are advertised.