“ARMS AND THE MAN”

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 53, 26 November 1941, Page 10

“ARMS AND THE MAN”

Colourfully Produced Shaw Comedy "Arms and the Mau,' a comedy by Bernard Shaw. Produced by the Wellington Repertory Society. Cast: Raina, Joan Flack; Catherine, Constance Kelly ; Louku, Marjorie Eberlet, The Man, Howard Wadinau; iln Officer, Alan Powdrall, Nicola, Burnett Ross; Pctkoil, R. S. Allwright; Saranoff, A. G. Brown-Douglas. For his tilt at the military mannerisms of the ’nineties Bernard Shaw, chose . a light steed. But, thougn light, the comicopera plot of "Arms and the Mau” is frisky and amusing, aud the Shavian satire is not pointless even to those who may have forgotten—if they are old enough to have remembered —that the wars of the Balkans were once so remote from the affairs of London as to be a sort of romantic make-believe. Because of its very lightness and friskiness, this comedy calls for careful production. Most Shaw plays do, but this one especially, because it_ cannot hope to provoke an audience that is not Victorian, or at least Edwardian. It can only entertain. The Shavian thrusts do not sink home often or fairly enough among moderns to be altogether effective. The play, therefore, must be. played to a large extent for the sake of its plot, which, being slender, demands all the support which a producer and u cast cau give it. The Wellington Repertory Society’s producer of "Arms and the Man” (Miss G. Helen Gard’ner) is to be congratulated oh the result presented in the Concert Chamber last night. Excellently staged—the colourful mountain scene in the second act was a little gem of space economy and perspective —and splendidly costumed, the production was an unusual visual treat. The casting was happily achieved, with a standard of performance which may not have been the society's best, but was even and capable. For the remainder of the season, if the shots off-stage in the first «ct can be made more convincing, the production should become wholly satisfying. Constance Kelly’s youthful Catherine, R. S. Allwright’s Petkoff, and Marjorie ‘Ebcrlet as the maidservant, Louka, were three excellent performances. Joan Flack handled the more subtle problems of her part admirably and complimented her very attractive dresses. Howard Wadman and A. G. Brown Douglas provided the required contrast in type, the latter playing at rather too jerky a clip but making smoother going in the last act, the climax of which was done with particularly good timing and comedy by all. Burnett Ross invested the inunservant with neat touches of character, and Alan Powdrall contributed a small part with soldierly correctness. Of the costumes, Marjorie Eberlet’s Bulgarian peasant dress and the livery worn by Mr. Ross, as well ns Constance Kelly’s gowns, were vividly picturesque. “Arms and the Man” will be repeated tonight.