“STUDENT PRINCE” AND “MADAME POMPADOUR”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 357, 18 May 1928, Page 15

“STUDENT PRINCE” AND “MADAME POMPADOUR”

HIS MAJESTY’S ON WEDNESDAY The preferential box plans are open for the season of the J. C. Williamson Royal Comic Opera Company, who open here on Wednesday, May 23, at His Majesty’s, The ordinary box plans will be opened on Monday for six nights and matinee of “The Student Prince.” The J. C. Williamson management in announcing the first presentation here of “The Student Prince” states that this is easily the most costly, most elaborate and most palatial production ever staged in the Dominion. It sets a standard never before attempted in the colonies. Another strong feature is the extensive company presenting this play, and also “Madame Pompadour.” The leading iadx, Beppie de Vries, is billed as the idol of Holland. In Australia she has established herself as the most popular coitiic opera star for many years. Her contracts call for her appearance in Europe to fulfil big engagements, but at considerable expense the firm induced this lady to visit the Dominion. Theatregoers are indeed in for a real musical treat. James Liddy, who plays Prince Karl in “The Student Prince,” has appeared in the role over 1,000 times in Europe. Artists with big European reputations are Hedley Hall and Frank Webster. Popular people revisiting us are Arthur Stigant, Vera Spaull, Adele Crane, Leslie Holland and also a big feature with the show is the famous chorus, the 40 singing students. “The Student Prince” is a musical version of the delightful dramatic romance, “Old Heidelberg.” Probably the basis of the undoubted success of this comic opera everywhere is that the story is concrete, continuous and charming. The plot is not an excuse for a string of musical numbers, more or less apropos, it is the reason for them. The alert producer was not likely to miss sifch an attractive opportunity for the type of spectacular show, with its romantic settings, its kings and courts with dazzling uniforms and pretty ladies in gorgeous frocks that exercises an undimming domination. On this occasion he had something worth while to work on and the result is a masterpiece of his art. “Madame Pompadour,” a romantic comic opera, is to be the company’s second piece. LUNA PARK OPEN TO-NIGHT AND SATURDAY The Luna Park Amusement Area will be open again to-night and tomorrow night, and will provide the usual feast of fun and entertainment. The side-shows, amusements and entertainments are novel and amusing,, and anyone in search of pleasure cg.n be assured of a happy time.