J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMIC OPERA CO.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 27 December 1913, Page 6

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMIC OPERA CO.

"THE COUNT OF LUXEMBOURG"

Playgders of Masterton will be*delighted to learn that definite arrangements have been made for the production by J. C. Williamson'© New Oomio Opera Company of Franz Lehar's great master-work, "The Count jof Luxembourg," which is to be staged on Tuesday, January 20th. Since the New Comic Opera Company last visited New Zealand its ranks have been considerably strengthened by the inclusion of Miss Florence Young, the famous soprano", Mr .Phil Smith, the noted London comedian, Mr Robert Whyte junr., who appeared here so successfully ; with the 1 'G6t Rich Quiok ord "Got., ..MiJ Frank IGreene, hrilliant bar-. itone who achieved a. triumph, as Prince Daaiillo in "The' Merry Wid.iow," and Vlasta Novotna, the talented young Russian dancer, who was one of the principal members of Madame Genee's company. "With these , additions to the company which presented "The Niglitbirds" and "The Girl in the Train" last year, it can readily be understood why Aucklandera have declared the organisation to he the strongest of its kind which has ever appeared in "that city. It is close on three years since Miss Florence Young deligjhted IsTew SSealanders by her magnificent interpretation of the name part in "The Merry Widow," and it is said that her magnificent soprano voice is in better form at present than at any time in her career. Mr Phil Smith, the new: comedian, achieved a triumph on his initial Australian appearance, which was made in the "Ooiunt of Luxembourg," and critics acclaimed him the most artistic laughter maker the Commonwealth has enjoyed for years. Mr Robert Whyte junr. demonstrated his capabilities as a first-class : comedian in "Passers By/' and more recently in "Get Rich Quick Wall—ingford," and lie is now an establish- ' ed favourite. Mr Frank Greene is always a tower of strength to any mu; sical piece. The company also includes Miss Dorothy Bruntow, the de- I lightful young Australian soubrette, Miss Blanche Browne, who recently appeared successfully in "The Quaker Girl," Celia Ghiloni, the talented comedienne, Reginald Roberts, the popular teoioir, Victor Pirincey Edward Wynne, Charles Albert, Cecil Outtrim, Ernest Laslibrooke, Julius Roscius, Harry Ratcliffe, Dick ShortBarclay, James O'Toole, and Otto Cushing, also the Misses Queenie Burroughs, Alice Benrietto, Marie Boam, Ethel Raleigh, Pop Batterbury, Stella Eadaile, Rene Connolly and Ann Carmichael. A large orchestra will be under the direction of Herr Gustave Slapoffski. "The Count of Luxembourg," which was composed by Franz Lehar, the composer of "The Merry Widow," ran for over 500 wights in London„„it enjoyed a record run in Vienna, and , delighted playgoers in Sydney and Melbourne for over six months. The box plans will bo opened at The Dresden on Saturday,. January 17th.