"PRIMROSE."

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18677, 28 April 1926, Page 7

"PRIMROSE."

CHARMING MUSICAL PLAY. Writes the critic of the ''Melbourne. Herald" of "Primrose"—the intriguing musical comedy to be presented by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., at the Theatre Koyal on Sat-, urday next, introducing MiEs Margery Hicklin as "Joan": "Primrose" is a merry show. Outstanding is the artistic novelty, which begins as a glorified coon ballet, and, by the manipulation ut lights, is transformed into a.stately old-workl • measure m which the dancers, iustead of tho eccentric coon dress, wear gracolul costumes oi the oldworld period. It. is just as though the fairy wand ol Cindcralla's godmother had been waved over the dancers and their clothes had been transformed instantly. There arc many bright vocal numbers with > novel chorus effects, such as 'Naughty Baby. But the dances, in their graceful beauty, probably appeal 1.3 strongly as anything to dance-loving folk A beautiful ballet which opens the third act is "L'Amour d'uu Faun," in winch Frederick McKay appears as the Faun with his pipes, with Keita Nugent graceful as his inamorata. "Primrose" should be good. George Grossmitb, that doyen of musical comedy, had a finger in its making, with Guy Bolton as assistant. Georgo Gershwin wrote the bright and catchy music, and Desmond Carter is responsible' for the lyrics. There is actually no "Primrose," she is but the heroine in a book that Hilary Vane has gone down to his houseboat to finish, and the author finds her "prototype in Joan, the ward of Sir Benjamin Falls, a near neighbour. Joan is, however, destined for another, one Freddie Falls, her cousin. Then there is Toby Meopham, of a good old family, who they consider has disgraced the name by falling in love with a rather flighty young person. Pinkie Peach, a beauty specialist, and Hilary decidea to rescue his friend from the threatened mesalliance and, the carrying out of his plan, involves himself in suspicion, sets into trouble with Pinkie H pugilistic brother Michael, and is finally uncovered by the whole company with the bvpterical Pinkie in his arms. ■ Mareerv Hicklin; Dorothy Lena, George Gee, Jac. Cannot. Bosie !e Varde. Hugh Steyne, ami many other clever people, ninear in brilliant «nd congenial roles. The box plans open this morning at The Bristol.