“THE DESERT SONG”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 821, 15 November 1929, Page 16

“THE DESERT SONG”

OPENING ARRANGEMENTS There was a very large demand for seats at Lewis Eady, Ltd., this morning when the plans were opened for tli© approaching season of “The Desert Song,” which is to be staged by the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management on Wednesday night next. Yesterday Mr. George 11. Highland, J. C. Williamson’s leading producer, and Miss Minnie Everett, who arranges the ballets and ensembles, arrived from Sydney to supervise the arrangements for the production of “The Desert Song.” The large set of scenery and effects arrived yesterday and a full scenic and lighting rehearsal will take place on Tuesday next, under the supervision of Mr. Highland. Miss Marie Bremner. who played the leading role of Margot, arrived from Sydney yesterday and she will make her first appearance in New Zealand in this role on Wednesday evening. “Tli© Desert Song” ran for over 12 months between Sydney and Melbourne, and during the final weeks of its twenty-four weeks’ run in the firstnamed city it is estimated that over 5,000 people were unable to obtain admission, so great was the demand for seats. “The Desert Song” contains all the ingredients which appeal to lovers of musical plays, including an entrancing love story, gorgeous ballets, delightful melodies, magnificent ensembles, music that sometimes approaches the range of grand opera, genuine and wholesome comedy, and it is presented by a remarkably fine cast of singers, dancers, comedians and specialty artists. Altogether there are over 330 people concerned in the production of “The Desert Song,” including a male chorus of 40 voices and a grand ballet of 60 dancers. Lance Fairfax, who plays the part of the “Red Shadow,’ is certain of a royal welcome, as he made himself immensely popular here by his fine work in “The Gondoliers” ami the other Gilbert and Sullivan operas when they were last staged in Auckland. Miss Marie Bremner, who plays opposite to Lance Fairfax, is. it is said, the possessor of a charming soprano voice and she is also a delightful actress. Herbert Mundin. the chief comedian of the company, is said to be irresistibly humourous, and in the comedy scenes he is assisted by the talented young Australian comedienne. Miss Ren© Murphy. Altogether ‘‘The Desert Song” is the best musical play that has ever been staged in New Zealand. The approaching season must necessarily b© limited, because the company is due to open in Melbourne early next month.