“ROSE MARIE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 229, 16 December 1927, Page 15

“ROSE MARIE”

COMING ON WEDNESDAY There is much that is attractive in tlie musical comedy “Rose Marie,” the striking J. c. Williamson production coming to Auckland on Wednesday next. The music is of a particularly high standard, and at times is up to grand opera heights. The plot is not a mere semblance to which music and dialogue are appended, but is a very convincing and gripping story. The scenery, which has been specially painted and prepared for this entrancing musical play, is described as being “the most beautiful series of stage pictures ever presented.” In addition to several big scenes, there are what are termed “impressions”; these cameolike presentations are reminiscent of famous London and New York productions, which are most realistic. The sensational Totem Pole dance in the first act and the loveliness of the Canadian Rockies scene stand as unforgetable star features of the musical comedy. Close in their wake comes the curiously novel scene in Black Eagle’s cabin, where three people perform a perfectly intelligible though wordless drama. This is splendidly acted by Stephanie Deste (as Wanda, the halfbreed Indian girl, who loves and hates as only these daughters of Nature can), George Bryant (Black Eagle, the Indian, who is murdered and whose death is laid at the door of Jim Kenyon, the lover and the hero), and Noel Allan (who plays the part of Edward Hawley, in love with the Indian’s wife, Wanda).

The part of Rose Marie is played by Miss Harriet Bennet, who has won high praise for her artistic acting and singing. As Jim Kenyon, her handsome lover, Mr. Reginald Dandy has a most satisfying role, and his fine voice is heard to distinct advantage in the solos, duets and concerted pieces with which the musical comedy abounds. Miss Deste’s portrayal of Wanda is a finished piece of work. Splendid comedy work is contributed by Mr. Frederick Bentley, and Miss Yvonne Banvard. Other prominent parts are suitably taken by Mr. Lou Vernon, Mr. James Hughes. Mr. George Bryant, Mr, Noel Allan, and Miss Doris Johnstone. A specially 'trained and selected ballet has been brought over to appear in the sensational Totem Pole dance and scena.

There will be a specially augmented orchestra under Mr. Andrew McCunn.