STAGE PRODUCTIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20740, 25 February 1939, Page 3 (Supplement)

STAGE PRODUCTIONS

More Ballet for New Zealand It is hoped to bring another Russian ballet company to New Zealand during Centennial year, possibly with some of the present company. In that case. Mr Claude Kingston, of the Williamson management, staff, expressed the hope that such glorious ballets as “ I,e Coq d’Or ” and “ Fire Bird” (to Stravinsky), and “ Petroushka ” would be performed here. Richard Crooks Coming Richard Crooks, the popular American tenor, is to give concerts in Auckland in May. Ballet Members at Travel Club Ballet appealed most to-day to English and American audiences, said Mr Victor Dandre at a Wellington Travel Club reception. Mr Dandre is chairman and director of the Covent Garden Russian Ballet, and the afternoon was in honour of some of the principal members of the company. “You probably do not realise what the life of a ballerina means,” he added when explaining that a rehearsal had prevented ‘some from attending. The ballet (“Paganini”) which the company was rehearsing would be seen in London in June. Every morning at 9 o'clock members of the ballet assembled for an hour or an hour and a half’s practice. After lunch they worked till about 5 o’clock, and it was necessary for them to be hack at the theatre early in the evening for the nightly performance. AntaJ Dorati (conductor) and Jan Hover spoke on behalf of the company. “We like to have success and we think we have it here,” said Mr Dorati with a smile. Jan Hover spoke in appreciation of the comparatively leisurely tour the company was making in New Zealand. “In America we have just one rush,” he said, and added that, in the Dominion they sometimes had time to indulge in their favourite pastimes—horseriding, Fishing, swimming, and so on.

Mrs H. D. Bennett, a member of the club executive, welcomed the guests on behalf of the Maori race. This was followed by a traditional welcome and poi dance given by a quartet, of Maori women from the Otaki Maori Party. Miss Tahiwi ac-

companied the singers and gave a Maori song. Mrs W. Duncan also sang, accompanied by Miss D. Spinks.

Australian Boys Delight Auckland An audience which had literally stormed the box office before eight o'clock saw for two and a-half hours the most unusual show presented at His Majesty's Theatre for many years, says an Auckland paper in referring to tlie first performance of the Young Australians' Band and Revue. •Coming to Auckland after an extended tour overseas, the boys proved themselves masters of showmanship. despite their tender years. None f the performers is over 18 years of age, most of them being between 13 and IG. lSarnl selections, instrumental solos comedy numbers, sketches and tap. dances were presented in non-stop style. 11l fact one of the highlights of the show last night was the speed and precision of staging. The Young Australians will come to Hamilton after the Auckland season. Elaine Hamill in Television Work According to an overseas exchange El line Hamill, the New Zealand actress xvlo.se pa noils formerly resided in Hamilton, is doing television work in London.