RIO RITA’S SUCCESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 773, 20 September 1929, Page 14

RIO RITA’S SUCCESS

MAGNIFICENT PRODUCTION Glorious singing, exquisite dancin? and entertaining comedy make “Rio Rita,” the romance of Old Mexico which is being staged each evening a: St. James Theatre, the pronounced k - cess it has proved to be during its season in Auckland. “Rio Rita” came here with the reputation of being something bigger and better in musical comedies, and, judting by the prolonged and spontaneous applause last evening, this has beet fulfilled to the satisfaction of theatregoers. The plot itself i 3 quite simple, but it is the magnificence with which tfc production is staged, plus the effort: of the entire company, that makes i: an entertainment to be remembered The melodies, comedy, choruses, an: ballets are used with generous harto mix a bright and colourful comedy. The glorious voice of Miss Gladys Monerieff, raised in the tuneful melodies for which “Rio Rita” is famous, is but one feature of the show, aldiougu it is the outstanding feature. Mr. Leslie Pearce sings with ease, and acts well, opposite Miss Monerieff. Mr Dave Malien’s eccentric fooling, arMiss Janette Gilmore’s dancing burlesque, are other features of the entertainment, while mention must be made of the capable acting of Mr. hr. Iredale. The chorus-girls, too, contribute in no small measure to the excellence of the production. They get through a tremendous amount cwork, but finish as fresh as at the beginning of the programme, no trae of lagging being discernible in the:.’ steps.