“THE DESERT SONG”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 824, 19 November 1929, Page 15

“THE DESERT SONG”

HIS MAJESTY’S TOMORROW Tomorrow night at Elis Majesty’s | Theatre the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., I management will stage for the first I time in Auckland the colossal musical comedy, “The Desert Song,” in which the young New Zealander’, Lance Fairfax, lias achieved an outstanding success. There has been a continuous stream of people booking seats since the plans were opened on Friday last, but the demand has not been quite so heavy for the opening performance as it has been for subsequent ones. The scenery and effects have already arrived and a full scenic and lighting rehearsal will take place this evening. Some of the outstanding features which have assisted to make “The Desert Song” the biggest theatrical success the Australian or New Zealand stage has known are: The marching chorus, the charming number “Desert Song.” the sabre song, drinking song, the male chorus of 40 voices, the melody of “Romance,” the extraordinary lighting effects, the gorgeous costumes, the desert scene at sunrise, the screamingly humorous comedy scenes, the beautiful harem scene, and Sigmund Romberg’s glorious music. The ballets, the dances and the beautiful ensembles. created and arranged by Minnie Everett, are other features, and the team work of the principal artists has been another factor toward the success of "The Desert Song.” It is said that Mr. Lance Fairfax s rich baritone voice is heard at its best in the music attached to the vole of the “Red Shadow,” and his acting stamps him as one of the best comic operatic artists who has yet appeared under the Williamson management. Miss Marie Bremner, who will make her* first appearance in New Zealand tomorrow night, has played the part of Margot with enormous success in Sydney and Melbourne. The "cast is a particularly strong one, and it includes Mr. Herbert Mundin, one of London’s most popular comedians. The company will arrive tonight by special train.