STAGE SUCCESSES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 775, 23 September 1929, Page 11

STAGE SUCCESSES

J.c.w. DIRECTOR TO TOUR NEW ZEALAND SHOWS FOR THE DOMINION Two directors of J. c. Williamson, . arrived by the Aorangi this morning. Mr. E. J. Tait js on his way to London, the Continent and the United fetates. His brother, Mr. John Tait, has arrived to visit the firm’s theatres in New Zealand. “Everything from a needle to a haystack, was Mr. E. J.'s explanation of his tour abroad. This means, of course, that he will look at everything in the entertainment world, and will probably book up a number ot' stage successes for New Zealand and Australia. ,^? r - John Tait was obviously pleased '' ith the firm’s recent successes in Australia, and he contends that good

shows in the legitimate business have nothing to fear from any other kind of entertainment.

“Lombardi, Ltd.,” is doing enormous business, he says, and is one of their greatest comedy successes for many years. “Journey’s End” in Melbourne has drawn packed houses ever since it opened, and is in for a long run. This greatest of all war plays will be sent to New Zealand at the end of the Australian run. “Lombardi, Ltd.,” will also be sent across the Tasman. At Christmas time Auckland will see Alfred Frith in “The Five O’clock Girl” and “Hold Everything,” two musical comedies which have received the approval of the Australian public. “Show Boat” is also enjoying a good run.

“Just at present the concert artist business is rather difficult,” said Mr. Tait. “We hope to bring out Jan Kubelik, the violinist. Arrangements for his visit have almost been completed.”

There is no immediate prospect of another tour by a J.C.W. grand opera company. “It is not a commercial proposition,” said Mr. Tait. “We will organise another company with the aid of a Government subsidy. “I can’t see the talkies taking the place of the legitimate stage,” he continued. “They will take their place in the entertainment world—after all, they are only talking shadows.” Australia was “fed up” with strikes and everybody was complaining, commented Mr. Tait, hut things were looking brighter in the business world when he left Sydney.