“RIO RITA”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 754, 29 August 1929, Page 14

“RIO RITA”

ST. JAMES NEXT WEEK "Rio Rita,” a musical romance of the Rio Grande border, fitting like a sparkling jewel into its rich setting, will be presented at the St. James Theatre by the Fuller management next week, with the ever-popular Gladys Moncrieff in the title role. Since last appearing in New Zealand Miss Moncrieff has spent over two years on the London stage. Although an entire stranger in London, Miss Moncrieff achieved pronounced personal success in two productions, “The Blue Mazurka” and "Riki Tiki.” Though “Riki Tiki” did not have a long run, Miss Moncrieff won high praise from the critics for her performance in the title-role, and when “The Blue Mazurka” was put on later her success was equally assured. “One song-bird on the English stage is worth two in the Australian bush,” was the tribute of one critic. Two new-comers will appear in the chief supporting roles of “Rio Rita,” in Janette Gilmore and David Mallen. Miss Gilmore will appear as Dolv. a comedy and dancing role. This young artist, who hails from Baltimore, recently concluded an eight-months’ engagement in London in the revue “Shake Your Feet.” She has also gained considerable experience of the stage in various New York productions. Mr. David Malta, who will fill an important comedy role, is a Broadway artist who may be compared to George M. Cohan, the famous comedian. “Rio Rita” will be staged here with a full company of over 100 and with a special symphony orchestra.