“THE DESERT SONG”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 838, 5 December 1929, Page 17

“THE DESERT SONG”

SEASON CLOSES SOON

Comedy’, tragedy and romance are combined with consummate skill in "The Desert Song,” the spectacular musical, comedy, which is now drawing toward the close of its season at His Majesty”s Theatre. A packed house again last evening showed in no doubtful manner its appreciation of this excellent production. In this story of love and intrigue, the action flits from the French outpost on the edge of the desert in Morocco to the camp of the Riffs in the hills, and on again to the Sultan’s harem. In all these scenes the opportunities for colourful action, with brilliant costumes, gorgeo-us dresses and excellent lighting effeets have been exploited to the full. The spell of the lonely desert nights, a golden moon glowing high in the bluest of skies, is brought to the audience with superb realism. The haunting wistfulness of the “Desert Song,” which sets off so admirably’ the background of romance across which the action moves, will linger long in many’ a memory. The plot is worked out cleverly, but calls for convincing acting on the part of the principals. His masterly’ handling of the difficult dual roles of the “Red Shadow** and the apparently simple-minded son of the commander of the outpost, won for Lance Fairfax generous applause last evening. His singing in no small measure made for success. The romantic role of Margot Bonvalet was interpreted with sincere artistry’ by Marie Bremner. The comedy roles were played well by Herbert Mundin, Renee Murphy’ and J. H. Scott.