STAGE SUCCESSES

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 255, 26 September 1929, Page 5

STAGE SUCCESSES

NUMBER FOR NEW ZEALAND. WILLIAMSON ATTRACTIONS. According to Mr John Tait, >a director of the firm of J. C. Williamson, Limited, New Zealand is to havo some very interesting theatrical attractions shortly. At Clirisfcmast time, Mr Tait told a “Standard” representative to-day,' Auckland would see the musical comedies “Hold Everything” —it opens in Sydney on Saturday—“ The Five O’Clock Girl” and probably a revival of “A Night Out,’’ a delightful show which featured Maude Fane, Cecil Ivelleway and Willie Percy some years ago. These productions would mark the return of Alfred Frith, the celebrated comedian, and the appearance of an English actress, Mary Law-! son. Two mystery d”amas, “Dracula” and “No 17,” were due soon, with Nat Madison heading an efficient company, and “The Show Boat” would be ill tho Dominion early next year.” Mr Tait referred to tlie wonderful •success in Sydney of the comedy “Lombardi, Ltd.” and the outstanding personality of the American actor, Deo Carillo, and to the production in Melbourne of “Journey’s End,” the remarkable play of life in the .trenches. Both these plays wero to be witnessed by New Zealand theatregoers. Mr Tait stated that there was no immediate prospect of another tour by a "Williamson grand opera company—it was not a commercial proposition—and that at present the concert artist business was rather difficult. However, his firm hoped to bring out Jan Kubelik, the world-famous violinist. The talkies were doing excellent business in Sydney, but they would not take the place of the legitimate stage. Mr Tait left his brother, Mr E. J. Tait, at Auckland. The latter left by the Aorangi on Tuesday for a tour of tho world’s theatrical centres. This means, of course, that he will look at everything in the entertainment line and will probably book up a number of stage successes for New Zealand and Australia. Mr E. J. Tait will look for attractions of the standard of “The Vagabond King,” “The Desert Song”—it is playing to crowded houses in Wellington at present—and “The Student Prince.” Mr Tait will also see the latest developments in the talkie business while abroad.