“THE VAGABOND KING”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 584, 9 February 1929, Page 14

“THE VAGABOND KING”

HIS MAJESTY’S NEXT TUESDAY ‘'The Vagabond King,” the stupendous musical play, to be staged for a brief season, beginning at His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday night next, is said to be the best and most gorgeous musical play yet staged by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management. Those who remember Cuyler Hastings many years ago will recall that he played a drama centred about Francois Villon —a sort of Haroun Alraschid incident, in which the beggar becomes for 24 hours the king. It was called "If I "Were King.” and it is this fine play by # Justin McCarthy, which forms the groundwork of ”The Vagabond King.” The play is lull of dramatic situations and romantic interludes, but the comedians also have some excellent material for fun-making. The music is by Rudolph Friml, composer of "The Firefly,” "Katinka” and "Rose Marie,” and it is generally regarded that he has given his very best in “The Vagabond King.” the delicious melodies of which are among its outstanding features. The Williamson management was tortunate in being able to procure Mr. .James Liddy for the role of Francois Villon and Miss Strella Wilson for the part of Katherine, as they are both fine singers, and their voices are heard at their best in the glorious numbers alio ted their respective roles. Mr. Liddy gave us a taste of his abilities, both as a singer and an actor, in “The Student Prince,” and Miss Wilson’s singing was quite a feature of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas when they were last presented to playgoers of New Zealand. Those two inimitable character • •©medians, Messrs. Arthur Stigant and Cecil Kellaway, are extremely popular with local playgoers, and they are always amusing in any character they are given to present. It is said that it cost over £20.000 to produce the original Sydney production of "The Vagabond King.” which will not be staged in Melbourne until the termination of its brief tour of this Dominion. There are considerably over 100 people concerned in the production. including a grand operatic chorus and orchestra. The stage manager, the ol€»etricians, the mechanical staffs and the scenery fare due to arrive here to-day. and the members of the company will arrive by the Niagara. LUNA PARK OPEN THIS EVENING Plenty of variety is provided by the entertainment at Luna Park. Besides the thrills of the railway, the river caves, the dodge-'ems, the whip, the joy wheel, the caterpillar, the goofy house, and the fun factory, there is a good dance floor and several side-shows. The Park will be open - this evening, and every evening next week. Concession cards, obtainable at the gate, give the bearer one. admission to all the permanent devices.

REGENT’S NEW MANAGER MR. PERCY JAMES FROM DUNEDIN Making his first return to Auckland after an absence of nearly 30 years is Mr. Percy James, who has recently been appointed manager of the New Regent Theatre. Mr. James has had many years of theatrical experience, both as manager and actor, as he came to New Zealand first with the World’s Entertainers. and later (abort 1900) opened Dix’s vaudeville show in Auckland as performing-manager. He has travelled Australia and appeared with success in all the large centres as a drawing-room entertainer under the auspices of the late Harry Rickards and others. Mr, James has also held important positions as stage manager with such large companies as Holloway’s Dramatic Co., and many more. Although h*> is a comedian par

excellence, he has appeared in many “straight” baritone parts and was one of the leads in Mr. Alfred Hill’s “Moor-

ish Maid” when Miss Rosina Bucknian. later with Dame Nellie Melba, liked the place of puma donna. All arrangements had been made for the opera to go to London, but a hitch occurred at the last moment, otherwise it is probable that Mr. Percy James 'would now glory in a metropolitan reputation. Just before coming to Auckland Mr. James was manager of the New Regent Theatre, Wellington, and before that manager of different theatres in Dun* eflin. While in Dunedin Mr. James made a great reputation for himself in local entertainments of every kind, and as producer for the Dunedin Amateur Operatic Society. Among other accomplishments ho supervised “Tfie Geisha.” “H.M.S. Pinafore,” “Dorothy” and "The Gorui fliers,” in which he took the role of Don Alhambre. He also took a solo part in the Dunedin Choral Society’s "Maritana ”