COMEDY SEASON.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 4, 6 January 1938, Page 14

COMEDY SEASON.

"SWING ALQNG."

MERRY AND TUNEFUL

PARADE OF AT.T. THE TALENTS.

I Even smarter in its frocking, the artistry of its settings and the disposition of its song numbers than were its predecessors in these features, the musical comedy "Swing Along," with which the Williamson Company, by George Gee, concludes its Auckland season, made a happy debut at His Majesty's Theatre last night. It is less restricted by plot than were the former offerings of the company, being a medley of humour, stage pictures, music and dancing in which the members of the large troupe of specialists are given the fullest scope for display of their talents, and in many respects it proved last night to be the brightest and merriest of the season's presentations. The chorus and ballet work contributing to beautiful ensembles in some of the scenes were specially impressive, notably the casino and garden scenes and the grand finale.

Valerie Hay and Donald Burr were in excellent tune in the lead, charming personalities breezing gaily down the switch-Back of true love with gladsome song on their lips. Their duet, "Unbelievable," and Miss Hay's ballads,, "Another Dream Gone Wrong" and "Love Song," were enjoyable, melodious interludes. William O'Neal's marching song, "Swing Along," with full chorus, and his ballad, "East Wind/' with male chorus, were rousing numbers and were notable features on the musical side. Billie Worth exhibited a delicate and artistic touch in tap dancing, and Lois Green's dancing art was delightfully displayed in * dainty semi-adagio number.

On the comedy side George Gee drew on his versatility by the expedient of disguises to keep the fun swinging along, with John Dobbie as his chief aide and Percy Le Fre chiming in to hit up the gaiety ill odd moments and ways. In a merry masquerade Gee changes his taste in shirts to evade the political storm, changes his sex to have adventures as a dame, and generally keeps the laughter trail bright and varied. Even for a moment he caresses a bull-fiddle and indulges convincingly in pseudo-Chinese song. His expedients for fun creation seem endless and are ever apt.

In John Dobbie, George Gee had a clever assistant and foil. Their sketches, in collaboration with Le Fre, "Something New" and "Lingerie Confidences," were artistically and effectively put across.' Tommy Jay's contribution to the fun was made per medium of a character sketch of a comic dictator, with careful attention to avoidance of anything likely to offend, national susceptibilities; ■>: ,■•

"Swing Along," the final offering of the company's Auckland season, will be staged nightly. up to and including Saturday, with a matinee performance on the final day.