"LILAC TIME"

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 5, 21 January 1937, Page 8

"LILAC TIME"

J. C. Williamson Company Presentation FINE ENTERTAJNMENT "Iilac lime," the story of the life of Franz Schubert, the celehrated composer, remembered by many irom the ecreen version "Blossom Time," was played last eveuing beforo a "full house" in the Hastings Municipal Theatre by the J. C. "WIMamson Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company. The scenery and costuming were artistically appealing, while the lightIng, espeeially the cleverly-arranged moonlit scene in the second act, deserves epecial praise. Th exquisite music of the famous song-writer forms the background for acting ot fhe same high standard of which. this company showed themselves capable during the previous tour. Of course, it is the haunting beauty of the music and the charming love story of Schubert wMch is predominant, but beMnd this there is occasional humour and sprightly dialogue. ME MENZIES'S SUCCESS. Again Mr Ivan Menzies excelled, his role being that of the master himself. One approached the play with a feeling of doubt at the casting of this great comedian to handle the dignified, and at times tragic, part of the composer, portrayed as a hopel&ss lover, too shy, too diffident to declare his love for the girl he adores, until a friend he hao asked to plead on Ms behalf steals her from bim. Mr Menzies' ability has been apparent always in his lighter roles, but here he shows other talents, with a remarkable polish and finish about his acting. "Vocally he is not the strongest of the cast; but although many of the l°vety songs of the play fall to his part, it is his portrayal of a lovable old gentleman, generous and modest, whose beauty of soul is refleeted in Ms music, that is of the greatest importance. That his performance was thoroughly appreciated was shown by the number of "curtains" demanded by an ^ enthusiastie audience. Here indeed is the musician whose generous heaxt triumphs above tragedy to give happinese to the girl he loves, and the man of her choice, his friend. SOME GOOD .YOICES,

Mr Gregory Stroud, as Baron von Schober, a poet who wins the affection of the young lady Schubert loves, possesses powerful vocal gifts. Of the young lady herself, Lilli Yeit, played by Miss Helen Langton, the same may be said. With her sweet clear voiee she completely suited the part. The jinging of Mr Clifford Cowley, Mr Vincent McMurray and Mr Erank Bermingham rnust also be specially mentioned. The action of the play takes place in the 19th-century Vienna. Beneath the tragic beauty of a story of life iand love there is comedy, ably contributed by Mr Bernard Manning as Christian Veit, the aristoCratic mahufacturer of glass, who gives consent to the marriage of two of his daughters wMle in a happy haze induced by wine. There is also Mr Thomas Jay as a grotesque detective, who appears on the scene whenever least expected. "PATJL JONES" TO-NIGHT. To-night at the Municipal Theatre, Hastings, the J. C. Williamson Ltd. Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company will present "Paul Jones," a musical play by Planquette, the French author whose works some years ago created great interest on the Continent and in America. A rollicking comic opera in three acts, it is full of beauful music, grace, charm and wit, Box plans and day saies are at Fail'e.