“STUDENT PRINCE” FINALE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 370, 2 June 1928, Page 14

“STUDENT PRINCE” FINALE

MADAME POMPADOUR TO-NIGHT The tuneful tale of “The Student Prince” was unfolded at His Majesty’s for the last time last evening, when a very large attendance followed with joy the antics of Arthur Stigant, Mason Woods and Maisie Engler, and with rapt appreciation the melodious singing of James Liddy, Beppy de Vries and Frank Webster. To-night the same capable company will stage the first Hew Zealand production'of the much-looked-forward-to, “Madame Pompadour,” which has proved successful in England, America, the Continent and Australia. The Williamsons were evidently fortunate in being able to induce Miss Beppie de Vries to leave Europe for these parts to take the name-part, as it is said that she simply lives the character of Madame Pompadour, who was the favourite of King Louis for many years. The opera is full of colour and move-

ment, and the period lends itself to magnificent stage spectacles, of which the management has taken the fullest advantage, the production \being described in Sydney as the most beautiful ever staged in the Commonwealth. The music of “Madame Pompadour” is delightfully tuneful, and there are an abundance of really good musical nil rubers. A feature of the opera is the work "of the chorus and the writer of i the play has created some genuine situations for the comedians. The ensemble in the courtyard of the inn, with the stage filled by the revellers, gaily dancing or laughing to merry chorus, makes a delightful introduction to a melodious score, written to opera-* tic vein, and with decided originality. The first song of D’Estrades “Carnival Time,” which is finely sung by the new tenor, Mr. Frank Webster, is one of the gems of the opera. Another excellent number is that “Love Me Now,” which is sung by Miss Beppe de Vries and Miss Vera Spaull. “By the Light of the Moon” is another rich duet, which presents Miss de Vries and Mr. Frank Webster at their very best. Mr. Arthur Stigant has some humorous numbers allocated his role, among which are “If I Were King,” in which he is assisted by Miss Vera Spaull, and the duet “Joseph,” in which he shares the honour with Miss de Vries. Only nine evening performances can be staged of “Madame Pompadour,” and a special holiday matinee will be produced on Monday next.