HOLIDAY VISIT

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20728, 11 February 1939, Page 17 (Supplement)

HOLIDAY VISIT

DO INO 8 IN WELLINGTON DELIGHTFUL PEOPLE MET 1 Kwt Some Delightful People A holiday In Wellington and Auckland during the past three weeks has given me the opportunity to renew acquaintance with many interesting people. Among them were: Violet Carlson* the diminutive comedienne of “Balalaika” and the “Why Be Serious?” revue companies —Enjoying the New Zealand tour tremendously, and thrilled at the thought that when she returns to Melbourne she is to be starred in the London Casino revue, a very spectacular productionr Johnny Bryant, the American whistler. of the “Why be Serious ” revue —Enjoying New Zealand, which he lays amazes him by the variety of scenic wonders within a very small compass, and seizing every opportunity to indulge his fondness for deerstalking and fishing. Claude Kingston, of the J. C. Williamson management—A very busy man, with the cares of the business side of the Russian Ballet on his shoulders, but able occasionally to demonstrate what a gifted musician he to. Anton Dolln, principal male dancer of the Russian Ballet—Delighted with the opportunity to visit New Zealand and the success of the Auckland season. Has very little spare time, for he gives lessons as well as appearing ta several of the ballets. Jan Hoyer, of the Russian Ballet — Keenly anticipating a day’s fishing, and murderous-looking harpoon Jags with w’hich he hoped to * “land” a shark or two. Ruth Scott (Mrs Douglas Blacklaus) —More thrilled at the thought of being the mother of the few-days-old Sonia Nina than of the musical career which has been interrupted by the happy •vent. Later Mrs Blacklaus hopes to resume her singing career. Nina Scott (Mrs John Griffiths) Kept very busy broadcasting in Wellington. and still specialising in strong dramatic roles. Phil Maddoek, New Zealand manager fer Metro-Goldwvn-Mayer—Happy at the fact that the film business is booming. especially the Norma Shearer picture. "Marie Antoinette.” Though finding the uncertainty regarding the Import position a bit worrying, confident that "everything will be all right.” Ferg. Mason, at one time manager of our Regent Theatre—A very husy man in Wellington but with many happy memories of Hamilton. His home' is on the heights above Oriental Bay, with what must be one of the finest views in the world. Daughter Fonda, a former member of the Hamilton Operatic Society, is now married, but takes time ofr from her domestic duties to Indulge her gifts for musical composition and verse-making. Walter Gray, another former theatre manager in Hamilton —Now manager of one of the leading theatres In Wellington. the St. James. Mrs Gray is a prominent member of the Wellington Travel Club, and was one of the hostesses at a very pleasant reception at which I was privileged to be present. Mrs Otterson-Lowe —Still thrilled at having had the opportunity not only to sing to Laurence Tibbett, but also with him, in the duet, “Still as the Night.” Mrs Otterson-Lowe is keenly Interested in the Hamilton Operatic . Society, and suggests that funds might be raised, as in Wellington, by Hallowe’en Nights and similar gatherings. Gladstone Hill—Back from Australia, where he was prominent in bands and Y other musical organisations and now 7 using his ability as a radio announcer. Victor Dandre, much-loved director of the Russian Ballet Company and husband of the famous Anna Pavlova “Pavlova's spirit will always permeate the Russian Ballet,” he said. "Pavlova still lives." Antal Dorati, principal conductor of the Russian Ballet—“ The orchestra consists of picked players, with Haydn Beck as leader," he said. “The Ballet Is a satisfying art—the best in choreography interpreted by famous dancers and the best in music played by good musicians, all welded into a perfect whole." Maurice Ralph, well-known theatrical manager—Busily arranging a tour of New Zealand by Oscar Natyke, the young Auckland bass who has won great success in England. I am Thrilled by Russian Ballet On Wednesday night I was one of the huge audience .that packed His Majesty's Theatre, Auckland, to revel In the performance of the Russian Ballet. It was Ji thrilling night ! There was "Scheherazade." that ex-eit-ing. spectacular and tragic story of the East, glowing with colour and movement. Tamara Grigorieva was passionate and dramatic as the King s favourite, and Anton Dolin gave an Intensely vivid performance as the stave more subdued perhaps than * Woisikowsky in the same role two vears ago hut. more vital. ■ “The Gods Go A-Begging” was a very striking production, with Tatiana Riahonchinska and Roman Jasinskv the perfect, examples of grace and youthful charm. They are wonderful dancers. Then there was the popular “Aurora's Weddihg." which is really a series of divertissements giving great epportunities to many members of the eompanv. Irina Baranova (Princess Auroral and Paul Petroff ( Prince Charmingl combined grace and artistry and technical perfection in their pa's de deux, and Tatiana Riabouchinska and Roman .Tasinsky again deilghtful in the lovely Blue Bird number. It was all very satisfying. The more one se p S of the Ballet the more one wants to see. Mv second programme was "Les Pylptildes.” “Les Presages" and “Union Pacific" —another unforgettable evening. Record Ballet Takings in Hamilton When the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet toured New Zealand two years ago the takings at Hamilton were the highest for any one night of the tour. The result of that success is seen in the fact that Hamilton is one of onlv two provincial towns to see the Covent Garden Russian Ballet, now in New Zealand. Owing to the limited time available it was found necessary to curtail the tour, and Hamilton and Palmerston North are the only provincial towns deluded.