“THE VAGABOND KING”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 589, 15 February 1929, Page 15

“THE VAGABOND KING”

MUSICAL ROMANCE Rightful successor to those big successes, “The Student Prince” and “Madame Pompadour,” “The Vagabond King” rules in its own right as the finest musical play produced in Auckland for many years. liis Majesty’s Theatre Is filled each night, with appreciative audiences. Vigorous and haunting music has been written for the pieec by Rudolph Friml, the book is lively and witty and the settings are lavishly fine examples of colour harmony. Based on the play “If I Were King,” by Justin Huntley McCarthy, the piece has for its main character the romanceful figure of Francois Villon, poet and cut-throat. In “The Vagabond King” he becomes still more romantic by usurping the throne of France for a day. Miss Strella Wilson, she of the commanding figure and the beautiful voice, lias the role of Katherine de Vauchelles, and James Liddy is the. swaggering vagabond. Mr. Liddy and Miss Wilson have the main songs and these are splendidly sung. Other prominent members of the company are Arthur Stigant, the comedian, Arthur Greenaway, Lou Vernon, Eileen Ogden, Rene Linton, George Coynygham, Beatrice Kendrick, Russell Scott, Cecil Kellaway and Elsie May. The work of the chorus is excellent in every way. and is one of the biggest factors in contributing to the success of this thoroughly satisfying production. “The Vagabond King” will continue at His Majesty’s for the next fortnight. “A PICKLED PORTER” FUN WITH GEORGE WALLACE The George Wallace company changes its programme at St. James Theatre this evening, when “The Pickled Porter,” a farce written by Wallace for presentation by liis own company, will take tlio place of "The Sparklers,” which have been delighting audiences nightly under George Wallace's management for the past week. In the final night of “The Sparklers” last evening, the company of bright artists followed up their initial success with two and a-half hours of hilarious fun, interspersed Avith a bright collection of original songs and catchy gags. Wallace himself loses none of his punch as a comedian as the show progresses, and his fetching personality iri whatever role he plays gives the whole company a happy tone. Supporting members were in good voice, and Marshall Crosby, Marie Nyman, Jack Scott and Maida Jones were heard in good snappy numbers. The Rascals were seen in some clever ballet work, and the Dudleys amused with their original turns. Altogether the Wallace Company gathers popularity as the season progresses, and those who wish to improve their acquaintance of George himself will see him for the current week as a porter. Everyone who has seen him knows what that means when Wallace plays it.