MONCRIEFF SEASON

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 130, 18 June 1937, Page 11

MONCRIEFF SEASON

Two Popular Operettas Miss Gladys Moncrieff, the idol of Australian and New Zealaxidplaygoers, who will make her reappearance here on Wednesday night next in "The Merry Widow, " and on Thursday evening in "The Maid of the Mountains" began her triumphant career playing small parts in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. One of her first outstanding successes was achieved in New Zealand when she delighted playgoers with her glorious voice and her splendid artistry in "Katinka, " which aiterwards en■joyed record seasons in Sydney and Melbourne. Miss Moncrieff 's more recent records demonstrate the fact that slie is sjnging in better form now than at any time during her triumphant career, and in the music alloeated to the role of Sonia in "The Merry Widow" and to Teresa in "The Maid of the Mountains" her vo.ice and lier artistry are heard an'd.seen at their very best. The glorious melodies of Franz

Lehar's delightful operetta "The Merry Widow," together with its intensely interesting story, its excellent comedy scenes and its picturesque settings and gorgeous dresses and costumes combine to make it one of the best musical plays the stage has ever known. "The Maid of the Mountains," too, is packed with good musical nxxmbers Und its author has created some wonderfiil material for the coinedians, while it also unfolds a deiicious love rbmance. Playgoers will be glad to welcome Mr. Cecil Kellaway, who is unquestionably one of the cleverest comedians who has ever visited New Zealand, and he is splendidly assisted in the comedy scenes by Don Nicol, the hero of "White Horse Inn." Mr. 'Eric Bush, tlie- juvenile lead of the organisation, is a young New Zealander who has climbed quickly to the top rank of his profession. He has a good stage presence, is a brilliant dancer, and has a baritone vojce of good quality. Miss Isobel Cue, who plays Frou Frou in "The Merry Widow," is a pretty and talented youpg Australian ' soubrette, and in Arthur Clarke' (tenor) and Carmen Mascaguy (soprano) 'the company has two fine singers. Altogether there are over 100 travelling members of the company, including a full operatic chorus and a brilliant team of Australian ballet girls. Both operas will be staged with new and wagnificent scenerj-', dresses and effects. Box plans will be opened at Fail's on Monday morning next.