"OH, BOY!"

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 28, 1 February 1919, Page 9

"OH, BOY!"

MUSICAL COMEDY SEASON.

i "Oh, Boy!" the successor at the Grand Opera House of that extremely popular comedy "Going Up," is one of those machine-made, ready-to-wear articles that only last for a season, and do not lend themselves to serious criticism—except of a financial sort. But they are "all the rage," as the modiste would put it. "Oh, Boy!" is clearly a tonic, specially prepared in America for what is known as the "tired : business man." Successful there, they were found to be most efficacious during the war in tuning up officers and men home on short leave in London, out of the mud, muck, and misery of Flanders. As busness propositions ©nit-ertainments of the "Oh, Boy!",order (when produced a® well as that comedy was at the Opera House last night) must succeed with the great majority of audiences. Such go to the theatre with a single idea, to wit, to bo amused—nothing more —and "Oh, Boy!" completely meets the case. The plot, or story, is really too involved to mention, even in outline. Suffice it to say_ that much embarrassment and confusion, and sometimes quite awkward situations, arise out of persistent prevarication ; also that a pair of silk pyjamas, a black eye, and a bedroom are important "exhibits" in the case. The charm of "Oh, Boy!" lies in its production. This is on characteristic Williamsonian lines, as to mounting, ballets; chorus, lighting, and everything else that contributes to the making of some exceedingly pretty stage pictures. It was a little difficult to say which was the most attractive feature, but the "Packet of Seeds," as it was called, was clearly first favourite. It was a floral ballet, but each girl represented a different flower—poppy, primrose, violet, rose, or whatnot—and danced in mazy measure round Mr. William Greene, in orthodox evening dress, ho acting as a sort of black pivot to the wheel.

The music was bright if evanescent, tuneful if. reminiscent, and, above all, highly popular in character. It may not wear long or wear well, but it is sure to please for the time being.

t Of the principals in the play there is no more to be said than was said of the opening performance of the season. Miss Cecil Bradley was again in her element, and scored another well-deserved success. Mr. William Greene sang, acted, and made merry with the same happy results as in "Going Up." The petite Miss Grade Layers added still more to her admirers in her role of a wee girl wife. Some excellent comedy work was furnished in judiciously moderate quantities by Mr. Field Fisher as a valet, and Mr. Alfred Frith asa detective. Miss Maud Beabty's turn came in the last act as a Quakeress under the spoil of seductive cocktails: There was not a shadow of doubt last night as to the popularity of the play. It hit the. public* taste. "Oh, Boy I" will be repeated this evening and on Monday.