“BALALAIKA” FOR N.Z.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 August 1938, Page 5

“BALALAIKA” FOR N.Z.

In pursuance of its policy to provide New Zealand with frequent stage shows, Williamson Theatres are commencing a Dominion tour of their “Balalaika” musical play at Wellington on August 31. This is a stupendous production that has created a record in Australia. ’ It has a Russian setting, and tells of the love affair of a noble officer for a ballerina. Its presentation calls for dancing of a high order (in which a lovely Russian ballet trained by Thadee Clavinsky, who was in New Zealand with the Colonel de Basil Monte Carlo Ballet) figures charmingly, and the production in which 150 people take part, Is reminiscent of the glory, of an older Russia. Eric Maschurt, Director of Variety in the 8.8. C., wrote the story, which is dramatic, and comic by turns, and it is studded with catchy songs. Balalaika players provide stage musical accompaniments, and. the piece will be produced- on a lavish scale of magnificence; It has been a smashing hit wherever staged, and “Desert Song” will also be revived during-the season.

The beautiful Andrea Leeds, who makes a big hit in Samuel Goldwyn’s lavish technicolour musical, “The Goldwyn Follies,” first attracted attention by refusing to play the “heavy” in “Woman Chases Man.” She did, however, want to play the role of Kay in “Stage Door,” so she went out and got it, with sensational results. Andrea was born in .Montana, the daughter of an American mining engineer. She lived in the Southern Republic through most of her girlhood, went to .college with a writing career in mind, but Hollywood wouldn't hire her as a writer. Howard Hawks, the director, happened to see a college film in which she appeared and the result was a movie contract with Goldwyn. She made her debut in “Come and Get It.” The lovely Andrea is 5 feet 4 inches, weighs 8 stone, and has brown hair and brown eyes. She’s definitely stardombound!

At a recent story conference in Hollywood, a well-known writer kept interrupting Samuel Goldwyn repeatedly. Suddenly the irate Goldwyn turned upon his interlocutor: "This is the last warning,” he fumed, "next time you talk to me —be silent!”