“THE DESERT SONG”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 818, 12 November 1929, Page 16

“THE DESERT SONG”

COMING TO HIS MAJESTY’S It is said that the J. <J. Williamson, limited, management has gone 011better than ever before in ihe production of “The Desert Song.” which is to be stayed here for the first time at His Majesty’s Theatre on Wednesday. November L'O. That the enormous amount of moneyexpended upon the representation, both in the scenery, dressing - , mounting and in the engagement of lilt artists was judiciously spent has been proved bv tlie fact that “The Desert Song” is tile most popular and the most successful musical play that lias ever been in Australia. Special interest will be taken in the appearance of Lance Fairfax, because he was born in New Zealand. He h:>s always been noted for liis line acting and for the possession of a remarkable baritone voice of excellent tone and wide range. In “The Desert Song” has a part which suits him to perfection. and whether as the Arab warrior on his white horse or as the lover lie is seen and heard at his best. The other members of the long cast were all specially selected for their respective roles and it is this fact that has materially assisted to make “The Desert Song” an even greater success than “Rose Marie” and “The Maid of the Mountains.” In the singing, romantic role of Margot, Miss Romo la Hansen, the talented young soprano, has achieved an • utstunding success. As in “The Student Prince.” so in ; ‘Tlie Desert Song.” a feature of the production is the singing of the male chorus, it would be hard to find anybody more capable of guiding such choruses than Herbert Browne, who led “The Student Prince” choruses. “The Desert Song nds chorus, ballets and dramatic incidents and a feature of it is the genuinely humorous comedy, which is in the hands ol the famous London comedian. Mr. Herbert Mundin, and Miss Rene Murphy, a charming young Australian comedienne. Maud Zimblj reated by her brilliant dancing in Australia. The ballets and the dances bear the liall-mark « f Mis- Minnie Everett, and the production itself was staged under the personal supervision of Mr. George H. Highland, who witnessed the London and New York productions of "The Desert Song.” The box plans will be opened Lewis Eady’s on Friday morning at nine o’clock.