GLADYS MONCRIEFF RETURNS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 119, 5 June 1937, Page 15

GLADYS MONCRIEFF RETURNS

"Merry Widow" and "Maid of the Mouutains" It is some years smce we last enjoyed Miss G-ladys Moncrielf on tlie legitimate stage, so tho announcemeht by tho directors of J. 0. Williamson Ltd., to the effect that they are to present the famous soprano, together with a specially selected comic opera company numbering 100 artists, in "The Merry Widow" and "The Maid of tlie Mountains" at the Municipal Theatre on Wednesday, June 23 and Thursday, June 24, will be read with pleasure by playgoers. The recent revivals of these two operas in Sydney recently, with Miss Moncrieff in the leading roles, created a furore of entliusiasm, arfd the Williamson theatres in both cities were taxed to tlieir utmost at every performance. In each City the seasons had to be considerably Jengthened, and even then tlie operas were withdrawn while they were still attracting re. rod andioiices. Australian critics were unanimous in declaring that Gladys Moncrieff is singing better at present than any time during her triumphant career. Gladyrs Moncrieff is tlie best and most L popular coinio opera artist .the Aus-

tralian and New Zealand sthge ha» known for many years, afid tlieatregoers may congratulate themselves on the fact that they are to be given an opportunity to enjoy the brilliant priina donna in t\Vo of her outstandiiig successes. The Williamson management has surrounded Miss Moncrieff with a taleiited company of popular favourities including the iuimitable comedian, Ceeil Kellaway, who has delighted us with a number of clever characterisatjohB, Don Nicol, who will be best known for his huxuorous interpretation of the waiter in "White Hors© Inn,'1 Eric Bush, who on former occasion portrayed the part of Prince Danilo in "The Merry Widow," Isabel Cue, a dainty and clever Australian soubrette, Artbur (Jlarke, Carmen Mascagny, Leslie Crane, Gerald Connolly, Cecil Pawley, Peter Dawson, Geoff Colledge and other favourite artists. A feature of eacli of the operas will be the work of tho operatic chorus and orcliestra, and oi the talented Australian ballet. "The Merry Widow," which will be staged on Wednesday, June 23, and "The Maid of the Mountains," which will be presented on Thursday, Jiine 24, will be staged with new aiid tnagnifioent scenery and dresses. Tlie liox plans for both productions j wiJl be opened at Fajl's on Mouday, 'June 21.