“ROSE MARIE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 226, 13 December 1927, Page 15

“ROSE MARIE”

FIRST PRODUCTION, DEC. 21

The first production of “Rbse Marie” in Auckland has again been altered, and the production will now take place on Lecember 21. All those patrons of the theatre who had altered their seats to Lecember 20 may have them altered to Lecember 21 on application to the box office.

The company will arrive in Auckland on Lecember 19, but one day will be spent in scenic and lighting rehearsals. “Rose Marie” is the most spectacular musical comedy to be sent over by J. C. Williamson. There is the lovely scene of the Canadian Rockies in the first act. It is one of the most beautiful pictures ever presented on the stage. Then in addition there is the grand ballroom scene in the second act. The Totem pole lodge is also impressive, and the dance one of the great features of the performance. As for the play itself, there is much more than the usual semblance of a plot. It is described as a musical play, but it is quite different from the light musical productions to which we have become accustomed. It is really founded on a melodrama that contains a murder, and elaborated and amended so as to include the elements of operetta, musical comedy, revue and spectacle, and in each and every respect it reaches the highest standard. To suit the changing aspects of the story, the composers, Herbert Stothart and Rudolf Friml, have made their music as varied as possible, and some of it brings reminiscences of the work of composers of world-wide renown. There are softlyflowing love songs, rousing marches, strange and blood-stirring barbaric themes, lilting dance tunes, and excited outbursts in the Puccini style. The Totem pole dance is one of the most spectacular scenes staged, and in this Stephanie Leste and the ladies of the ballet excel themselves—never before has such wonderful dancing been witnessed. The company is a remarkably strong one, and includes such liigh-class artists as Stephanie Leste as Wanda, the Indian half-breed girl, Harriet Bennet, who has scored an undoubted success in the title role; Reginald Landy, as Jim Kenyon, the lover; Frederick Bentley, as Hard-boiled Herman; George Bryant, as Black Eagle; Yvonne Banvard, as Lady Jane; Loris Johnstone, as Ethel Brander; James Hughes, as Sergeant Malone; Lou Vernon, as Emile La Flamme; Noel Allan, as Edward Hawley.