'ROSE MARIE'

Evening Star, Issue 19801, 27 February 1928, Page 13

'ROSE MARIE'

SENSATIONAL BALLET IN ENTRANCING MUSICAL COMEDY

‘Rose Marie,’ the successful J. C. Williamson musical comedy coming to Dunedin on Saturday, March 10th, is described as one of the most entrancing musical plays ever presented on the Australian stage. To a certain extent ‘ Rose Marie ’ is based on ‘ Tiger Rose, a gripping drama which was an elaborate Belasco production some years back. Drama, as foundation for a popular musical play instead of farce or “ straight ” comedy, certainly gives something of novelty. Rut there is plenty of comedy in this, the latestoffering of the firm. The dramatic portion of the plot deals with the love ot Rose Marie, La Flamme. and Jim Kenyon. After youthful wildness Kenyon lias reformed, hut when he is falsely accused of murder his reputation does not help him. The murder is that of Black Eagle, with whom Kenyon had a dispute over a, mining claim. In reality Black Eagle had been killed by another, and in this connection there are several highly dramatic incidents. Rose Marie s brother Emile wishes her to marry Hawley, who bears an unenviable reputation, but is rich and powerful, in the belief that Kenyon has become the lover of Wanda, she consents, not without periods of regrets. Wanda, who is really in love with Hawley, shows her resentment nncl jealousy, ana there are some gripping (and melodious) interludes before the mystery of the murder is explained. Jim Kenyon is proved innocent of both the deed and any questionable relations with the half-breed Wanda, the lovers are reunited, and tue curtain descends on the happiest ot scenes. One great feature of the production is the spectacular and beautiful totem pole dance in the first act, the scene being the Indian Lodge in the Kootonay Pass, in the Canadian Rockies. The ballet and the loveliness of the scene would go a long way_ to ensure the success of- any play, musical or otherwise, and is one of the star turns of the evening. Never before has such a picturesque dance been staged, and never before have half a hnndreci such beautiful girls postured and .rvrated. And before the audience has recovered from Its surprise and gratification at the uniformity in height and slimness-of these exceptional dancers, whose beauty, grace, intelligence, and vivacity are so striking, the whole line ripples" like an exquisitely-timed-wave, and like reeds bending tothe wind sinks to ihe stage like the falling petals of a gigantic (lower. The company is an exceptionally strong one, and includes the Following favorites ;—Miss Harriet. Bonnet, as Rose Marie: Miss Stephanie Deste, in her original creation as Wanda, the half-breed (who leads the dance in the “ totem tom-tom 1 scene); M'ft; Yvonne Bnnvard, as Lady Jane; Miss Mabel Lambeth, as Ethel Brandor; Mr Reginald Dandy, as Jim Kenvon (Rose Marie’s lover); Mr Frederick Bentley (the diminutive comedian, who, with Miss Banyard, is responsible for much that is humorous in the presentation of this musical comedy); Mr Jas. Hughes, as Sergeant Malone, of the North-west Mounted Police; George Bryant, as Black Eagle; Noel Allan, as Edward Hawley; with a particularly efficient and handsome corps of dancers who have been specially trained for the production by Miss Minnie Hooper. The musical comedv is produced by Mr George Highland, and the augmented orchestra is under the conductorship of Mr Andrew M'Cunn. The season is for a limited number of nights with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The bos plans will open on Wednesday next.