AMBITION!

Radio Record, 25 March 1938, Page 18

AMBITION!

OPERA IN DUNEDIN RIDING (deservedly) on the crest of the wave of popularity, the Dunedin Operatic Society is planning big things for 1938. Indeed, one might say has planned, for rehearsals are already under way for the presentation of Friml’s "Vagabond King." This will be one of the most ambitious undertakings ever considered by a New Zealand amateur society, and it is one involving the society in a good deal of expense. It is expected that the expenditure on this production will be about £1200, and that is a let of money when it has to be made up . from box-office. } { No less than 56 tons of scenery will be used, and all of this is being imported from Sydney. The cost of transporiing this vast amount of settings will be no small portion of the £1200. Casting is not yet complete, but the society is seeking the very best of talent in order that the play may be in every way the finest thing performed by amseteurs in this country. : In the early talkie days the film "The Vagabond King" attracted considerable attention in Dunedin, but no Stage version of the play has been performed there, the company which toured New Zealand a few years ago not going so far south.