“SUSAN AND GOD”

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24335, 14 August 1944, Page 2

“SUSAN AND GOD”

A SMART COMEDY “Susan and God," the much discussed modern play, written by an American actress and playwright, Rachel Crothers, was presented before a crowded house at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night by the J. C. Williamson All Star Company. A comedy, strongly flavoured with satire and sophistication, it deals entertainingly with an unusual theme. It tells of a young married woman, Susan Trexel, shallow, selfish, insincere, who is suddenly converted to a new religious movement, and who consequently decides to live life on a higher plane and is determined to make all her friends do likewise, regardless of their wishes. Many comic interludes follow. Many embarrassing situations are created. But in spite of Susan’s shortcomings and the worldliness of her social circle, her new-found faith works wonders in the end. Miss Neva Carr-Qlyn, who was making her first appearance on the stage in Christchurch, played the part of Susan very effectively. Vivacious, gushing, and voluble, she kept the play moving briskly and maintained a nice balance between her old selfish standards and her new spirituality. As her husband, Lloyd Lamble gave a fine performance, his scene with his little daughter in the first act being outstandingly good. As the lonely, unattractive school-girl, June Mendoza was excellent; naturally and with telling effect she showed how poignantly she felt that her home was not like other girls’ homes and she was touchingly happy when her parents, rather belatedly, showed affection for her. A warm welcome was accorded the well-known Christchurch Repertory player Mavis Reesby who, cast in a part requiring deft handling, played with skill and aplomb. Others in the cast who contributed their quota to the success of the presentation were Ruth Montgomerie, Bettina Welch, John Tate, Frank Bradley, Alan Rankin, Allen Christie, who revealed himself as the possessor of a pleasing singing voice, and Lily Moore, who in a very small part as a French maid, showed what could be done with a feather duster in capable hands.

“Susan and God” will be repeated tonight and the four succeeding nights.