GRAND OPERA AND BALLET FOR NEW ZEALAND?

New Zealand Listener, Volume 4, Issue 92, 28 March 1941, Page 7

GRAND OPERA AND BALLET FOR NEW ZEALAND?

Rr HOSE who had expected the war to sound the death knell of legitimate entertainment in Australia and New Zealand will be pleased to learn that all difficulties considered, the stage is in a sound and healthy condition in Australia. New Zealand, too, appears to have emerged from a brief period in the doldrums. A Gilbert: and Sullivan company is enjoying a successful tour, the magician Levante opened in Auckland last week, and according to Frank Tait, one of the managing directors of J. C. Williamson, who has been visiting New Zealand, it is just possible we may have both a grand opera and a ballet tour this or next year. The opera and ballet tours depend first of all on what arrangements can be made regarding transfer of currency out of Australia. If this and one or two other small difficulties can be smoothed out and the Australian tours of these companies are successful, there is every chance that they will come on to New Zealand. Americans but no Australians The, nucleus of the opera company has already been formed in America, and it includes several well known American singers. Italian operatic artists, of course, would not be permitted to land in Australia. To the artists already chosen, would be added a number of Australia’s best singers, Mr.

Tait explains, and also, possibly, artists such as Heddle Nash and Oscar Natzke. Mr. Tait emphasises, however, that the formation of a grand opera company is no light undertaking. Not only must the quality of the company be high, but it must include a sufficient number of leading artists. Three good basses and three good tenors are needed for a start. Mr. Tait is completely confident of the success of an opera tour of Australia and New Zealand. It is approximately 10

years since the visit of the last grand opera company. If the tour does not take place, the Gilbert and Sullivan company which is at present in New Zealand will probably perform a series of light operas such as Die Fledermaus, The Bohemian Girl and Maritana. Later again, if the war permits, it is Mr. Tait’s hope that another ballet company of the standard of the one which visited New Zealand two years ago, will tour here. New York is now the world centre of ballet, and it would be an easy matter to gather together a first-rate company, including stars like Riabochinska, Lichine, Petroff and Toumanova. Marie Ney in Australia The bright star of the theatrical world in Australia at present is New Zealandborn Marie Ney, who has suddenly revealed a flare for comedy. She was first seen in Sydney in No Time for Comedy, and then, taking advantage of the interest created by Noel Coward’s visit, in Private Lives. Her latest is Ladies in Retirement, a dramatic thriller played in New York by Flora Robson, and in London by Mary Clare. Marie Ney considered a tour of the Dominion, but she is said to have unhappy memories of New Zealand winters, and it is not likely that she will be here this year at any rate. Revivals are always popular with Australians, and Melbourne has seen Rio

Rita played by a company starring Elsa Stenning, who toured New Zealand as a chorus girl with Gilbert and Sullivan companies, Charles Normand and Don Nicol, who was last here with the Charlie’s Aunt company. Next revival they will play is Sally. Star From Hollywood At Easter, Sydney will see a revue, Funny Side Up, starring Helen Gilliland, London and New York musical comedy star. She is in Australia now, and has been heard in several ABC broadcasts. Helen Gilliland, who came from Hollywood, where she appeared in a film The Storm, was given an audition at the age of 16 by D’Oyley Carte, czar of English Gilbert and Sullivan production, and played in the parent Gilbert and Sullivan company for five years. Then she starred in revues with George Robey, in Paul Whiteman’s band, and with the American comedienne Sophie Tucker. After that, she turned to musical comedy, and appeared with Fred Astaire in Stop Flirting. She has broadcast in numerous BBC programmes. There are many other famous English stars who would in normal times be glad to come to Australia and New Zealand, says Mr. Tait. John Gielgud, Leslie Banks, Cyril Ritchard and Madge Elliot are four who have turned down offers both on account of transport difficulties and their unwillingness to leave their families and friends in such difficult times. Apart from their ordinary work, Australian artists are contributing magnificently to war purpose entertainment, Mr, Tait said. Gladys Moncrieff, for instance, who is singing as well as ever, and has lately been appearing at some of the larger ‘picture theatres, has sung at Red Cross concerts in Melbourne.