"OVER SHE GOES"

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22307, 22 January 1938, Page 4

"OVER SHE GOES"

BRIGHT MISICAL COMEDY TO BE PRESENTED

Much interest is being shown by playgoers in Christchurch in the reappearance here next Saturday of the London comedian. George Gee, and the J. C. Williamson new musical comedy company, numbering more than 100 persons, including a number of English and New York artists.

"Over She Goes" and "Nice Goings On," in both of which the company has scored outstanding successes in Australia and-the North Island, will be presented.

The reception given Mr Geo at the Grand Opera House, Wellington, last Saturday was one of the most enthusiastic ever accorded a musical comedy artist in that city. His irresistibly humorous characterisation of the role of Tommy Teacher showed that Mr Gee is now funnier than he has been in any previous production. "Over She Goes" lias been described as a gay musical comedy, with new frocks, new jokes delicious melodies, gorgeous ballets, elaborate stage settings, and brilliant ensembles. "George Gee," wrote a critic, "is seldom off the stage —just sufficiently to let us realise that the delightful American hero. Donald Burr, has that 'indefinable something,' that the English leading lady. Valerie Hay, is pink and white and golden haired, as every heroine should be, that the New York subrette. Billie Worm, .-can tap dance better than any other stage dancer that has come to Sydney, and that we do not hear half as much of William O'Neal's voice as we should like, that Percy Le Fre makes a brilliant 'stooge' to Mr Gee. and that flaminy-haircd Australian Lois Green can hold her own with any comedienne."

"Over She Goes" boasts a really good' plot, lhat keeps the audience interested right up to the final fall of the curtain. There are. so Australian critics write, several unusual scenes in the second act. including a delightful terrace and an attractive bedroom. Here the colour blending and freshness, combined with originality in design, are said to be particularly impressive. A mock trial. "Male v. Female." acted by the six principals, is said to be extremely amusing. A ballet of girls wearing judges' wigs and gowns over red and white shorts, is said to be highly diverting; also the lovely effects of pastel shade frocks under big velvet hats. A most successful character study is that of John Dobbie as the police inspector who "must have a body." He is ably assisted by Ken Tuckfleld as the sergeant, and the policemen's ballet in the amusing number. "Speed Cop." "Over She Goes" was pi-oduced by Mr S. A. Locke, who produced the original representation of "White Horse Inn." The company includes a full operatic chorus and orchestra. "Over She Goes" will be staged for five nights, and on Wednesday, February 2. and on Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday afternoon, February 4 and 5, "Nice Goings On" will be produced.