STAGE SPECTACLE DEVISED BY NEW ZEALANDER

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 61, 4 December 1937, Page 10

STAGE SPECTACLE DEVISED BY NEW ZEALANDER

. "The Laughing Oavalier,'? the lavish spectaele at the Adelphx Theatre, London, tells the story of the famous picture by Franz Hals. The id.ea was first devised by Stafford Byrne, a young New Zealander, three years ago — long before the film "La Kermesse Heroique,' to which the plot has some resemblance, was produced. The music was written by • Stanley. Waihwright Morgan, anotfer young New Zealander, and his first big -work must be aeclaimed a success. . The settings of the play — scenee ia 17th-century. Holland and picturei by Franz Hals — are-.truly magnificent and the costumes superb. Arthur Margefcson gives a fine rehdering of the name part, while Irene. Eisinger, the Austrian soprano, is delightful as tho heroine. Charles Heslop, as the Burgomaster, tc a soldier on . his xqother's side, ' ' is righly comic. The producers, sparing no expense to secure. spectacular effect, have brought oyet a charming Dutch ballet.? .. Among comments oa ptei production are: — • The Times:' *'We surrender ourselves to the charm of Mr, Auhrey Hammond's costumes, to • the graceful einging of Miss Irene Eisinger . , J' The Daily Telegraph: fThere ie ito douht at all that this romantic affair will prove very much to the taste of the play-going -puhlic,' for it 5s a real feast to the . eye "and ' the jahsio of W ainwright - = Morgaa : is foll o|~fgirit ;and melody." • The , Daily Mail: *5Somcthjng Out of the ordinary run, splendidly staged and hrilliantly produced. It deserves to fill the newly-d.eeorated Adelphi for months. , ifews Ohronicl6V ido nof retriember a stage that looked more beautiful." Evening Standardi **SomQ of the loveliest costumes and sets to be seen on the stage to-day« » . The 'Dutch Interior* is oue of the most delectable reproductions to, jbe seen oa any stage at any time." Star: 4 ' A beautifuj shoWg SvitE iagteeahle singmg,"