"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK"

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 137, 8 December 1930, Page 5

"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK"

A FINE ACHIEVEMENT

A notable revival Tii Wellington was "The Belle o£ New York" at the Opera House on Saturday. It was welcomed with open arms, so to speak, and proved once again that in their endless quest for "what the public wants" theatrical managements do not willingly furnish it with inane provender. When "The Belle" was new, towards tho end of the 'nineties, it was exactly what the public wanted, and the public emphatically said so. True, its initial success over thirty years ago was in some sort due to the captivating, accomplished and capricious Edna May in the title role, but its popularity «as as great in these parts as ever it was in London or New lork. Some notable uames will ever be associated with its production in Australia and New Zealand, aud playgoers of the long ago cherish memories of them. But much has happened since then. Events moving accelerando have exerted powerful influences over theatrical forms of entertainment not always for the good of art or the taste of the public. The revival of "The Belle of. New York" on Saturday night, however, was not only justifiable but a sound business proceeding. For all its lightness and merriment the play is something more than musical comedy. It is a clever satire on what jvas once called "Comstockery" in New York and what is to-day dubbed in Australia and New Zealand as an 'ism beginning with a W. For the benefit of playgoers unborn when "The Belle of New York" was first performed in New Zealand it may be stated that a Mr. Tchabod Bronson, a wealthy, well-intentioned moral reformer, tnkes New York by storm with bis band of uniformed young men from his town of Cahoes. They march into Manhattan to combat, cigarette-smoking aud suppress The cold highball And cocktails made of whisky. That, of course, was in pre-Prohibition days, when New York and Chicago wore not bo morally pure and sweet as they are to-day. So Bronson and his Brigade, all in gorgeous uniforms,, beaded by banner and band, proceed to storm the citadel of vice. Unfortunately for Bronson's son Harry, they arrive at the young man's quarters on the morning when be is to be married to a, comic opera star, and the effects of what he calls a "woosey" night with a party of bachelors have not evaporated His indignant father takes in the situation, cuts olt-his son's allowance, the marriage is abandoned, ami Hurry is compelled to work for his living at a sodawater fountain. Tn Chinatown he meets a pretty Salvationist, Violet Grey, aud falls a convert to her winning ways, turning over a new leaf (to be turned back again). Of course, Harry and Violet are meant for each other, and the father makes her his heiress because she turns out to be the daughter of an old-time partner in business. So, after misunderstandings are disposed of the curtain falls with everyone in a Rood humour. That, baldly, is the scaffolding of "The Belle of New York." It is only the scaffolding, yet very accommodating, admitting incorporation of inessential characters, supporting some delightful comedy; carrying very pretty music (which wears remarkably well); and affording the producer all he is likely to ask for in the way of effective stage pictures, artistic grouping and scenery, and beautiful costumes.. And besides all this, "The Belle of New York" owes nothing of its popularity to pyjamas, bedroom scenes, deshabille, or anything else that, would be unedifying to an audience from a young women's Bible class; in fact, such a class, might well see and hear it and thoroughly enjoy its unbarbed banter and satire without wormwood. Had all subsequent .musical comedies and similar entertainments conformed to the standard .of "The Belle of New York," less would have been heard to-day of raids on American theatres by the police and interventions of the Censor in certain theatrical ventures in England. Of the production on Saturday of "The Belle of New York." broadly and in detail, it can be said that it was in full accord with the'best traditions of tho firm of Williamson. Probably some present who were able to recall earlier performances of the play will agree that this revival was as fresh and enjoyable us any of its predecessors, seen when first impressions were made on more plastic memories than those- of middle uge. The principals one and all appeared to be saturated with' the jcstful spirit of the play. Miss Romola Hansen as Violet Grey, the Salvationist, was obviously cast for a congenial part to which she brought to bear not only good looks, a vital personality, a tine voice (within its range), and perfect enunciation, but thorough technical knowledge. Mr. Leslie Holland, an actor of ripe experience, and an agile dancer, was allotted the part of Ichabod Bronson, His was a well-considered performance for all its light and airy fooling, and one to be numbered among the very best of, the many parts which Mr. Holland has played in musical comedy. As Fifi, Miss Miriam Lester achieved success as a singer and actress —not always linked together in musical comedy. Miss Lester possesses such natural gifts and sound knowledge (in one so young) that should always ensure her inclusion in principal parts in musical comedy.- Miss Amy Rochclle as Cora Angelique, the actress who was to have been married to Harry Bronson, gave distinction to the cast. She was excellent in the patter song' "When I Was Born," and in all she said, sang, or did was always the accomplished artist. She demonstrated that the rac.e of principal boys survives. The minor part of Blinky Bill, the pugilist, was cleverly handled by Mr. Jim Gerald, for it is not easy for such nn original and popular comedian to subordinate himself, to the play as he did. His dance with vivacious and whimsical Connie Hobbs as partner in "She Is the Belle of New York" was one of the hits of the evening, and well deserved the double recall of both of them. Harry Bronson's part was taken by Mr. Sidney Burchall, and it was ably handled. He is not only endowed with good looks, admirable stage presence, and a fine voice, but he is a well-trained and thoroughly conscientious actor. The cast is well balanced, and every member of it, from principals downwards, is efficient; but it is a large cast, and space permits no more than mention of the clever acting of the Twin Counts. Messrs. L. Donngbey and R.: Baxter, and of the Lunatic, Mr. Don Niehoil. The lesser characters allotted to Miss D. Davenport and Messrs. S. Wheeler and Bernard Manning were in thoroughly capable hands. The music proved as refreshing as it was welcome, a change from the overspiced fare served up night after night in the theatres of late. Principals, chorus, and audience were tho debtors of the competent Mr. W. Eedstone and his orchestra on Saturday, especially for the delightful manner an which the accompaniments were played. "The Belle of New York" as performed and received on Saturday may be symptomatic of the public desire for more satisfying fare in a theatrical sense than it has been accustomed to of late. If there is any doubt on this point it can be settled one way or the other to-night and subsequent performances all this week.