BRIGHT MUSICAL COMEDY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22139, 19 June 1935, Page 14

BRIGHT MUSICAL COMEDY

OPERATIC SOCIETY SUCCESS Productions by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society are always a welcome event for local theatregoers, but few of its past successes have been so well presented, so excellently mounted or generally so thoroughly enjoyable as its latest production, "A Runaway Girl." at His Majesty's Theatre. A special feature of this celebrated musical comedy is the fascinating musical score, the work of Ivan Caryll and Lionel Monckton, which is delightfully reminiscent of the charm and freshness of Sullivan. Credit for the manner in which this has been presented is due not only to the skill of the musical director, Mr. Colin Muston, but also to the extremely talented cast, especially Miss Doreen Saunders, whose singing has been particularly well received, and Miss Reta MacCullav and Mr. .irne:st Snell. These three artists, with Mr. Zante Wood, Miss Ethel Rae and Mr. Geoff Colledge take the acting honours with genuine ability. The story is unusually rich in hilarious situations and bright dialogue, and the work of a fine comedy team headed bv Mr. Douglas Stark, Miss Antonia Martjnengo, Mr. Bob Fenwick and Mr. Rex Yates is at once a tribute to the excellent casting and the talent of_ the artists themselves, who maintain a very high standard throughout. The piece is one of the most colourful of the society's productions and the frocking is excellent. The well-balanced chorus work has proved a very popular part of the production, and carries the comedy along with a tremendous swing. Another feature deserving high praise isi the spectacular ballets, produced by Miss Cecil Hall. Major F. H. Lampen is. the producer.