"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK."

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 3, 5 January 1931, Page 3

"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK."

POPULAR AS EVER. SUCCESS AX HIS MAJESTY'S. An enthusiastic welcome was accorded "The Belle of New York'' on Saturday night. His Majesty's Theatre was ero-.vded in every part, ancL the sprightly charm of the music of this most famous of all musical plays carried all before it. Enthusiastic applause greeted all the well-known numbers, such as "Teach Me How To Kiss," "Follow On," and "When We Are Married." In one instance an encora was insisted upon, although the. management had to be firm in thir regard, to avoid unduly prolonging tha performance. But when Mr. Jim Gerald as Blinky "For She is tke Belle of New York, and followed it with a. dance with Miss Connie Hobbs, in quaint postures, the appeal was irresistible. They were recalled again and again, and each time had some new gesture which brought a further round of thundrous applause. "The Belle of New York" is unique in its many historic phases. All manner of incongruous characters are crowded into the piece. When first produced some thirtv years ago, it was intended by the authors to be a revue. All the principals had their prototypes in celebrities of the day. Ichabod Bronson was J. D. Rockefeller; Bronson, jun„ was the .millionaire's son; Cora Angelique was the much married and divorced Lillian Russell; and the belle herself, the daughter of General Booth, then leading the operations of the Army in New York's Chinatown. Other types are crowded into the production, such as the two Portuguese noblemen, the polite lunatic, and the famous rescue brigade. Music, song and dance spell "The Belle's' 5 success. It is thorough entertainment. The haunting tunes, whistled in the streets over a quarter of a century ago, are as appealing as ever. The play is brimful of lively action, ana good stagecraft adds fire to spirited chorus numbers. Colourful effects are a feature. The setting representing the Chinese quarter of the Bowery is exceptionally good, and there is compelling charm in the fancy dress garden party in the last act. The music is bright, and the songs and choruses have a legitimate claim to their place among the action. The costumes are admirable. It is a long time since Auckland playgoers. so thoroughly enjoyed themselves at a legitimate show. The cast is excellent. As the demure Salvation Army lassie who "follows the light" to such purpose that all the young men are content to follow her, Miss Romola Hansen gave a delightful performance. Her voice was good, her style unconventional, and her actions had the hall mark of sincerity. Mr. Leslie Holland, as Ichabod Bronson, was as convincing as when he first played the part over' twenty years ago. Arrayed in his pink "fatigue" unfiorm of the anti-cigarette smokers' brigade he was most comical, and helped greatly in the success of the performance. Mr. Jim Gerald, the chief comedian, had the audience in roars of laughter whenever he came on. Miss Miriam Lester, as Fifii, sang with much spirit. As Cora Angelique, Miss Amy Rochelle was heard to distinct advantage in the finale to the first act. Mr. Don Nichol was convincing as the polite lunatic. As the millionaire's son, Mr: Sydney Burchall wa.s in good voice. He gave a first-class performance, as did all the other characters. Aell-trained chorus carried through with a swing. There will be a matinee on Wednesday, and the final performance on Thursday night.