'THE O'BRIEN GIRL'

Evening Star, Issue 18852, 29 January 1925, Page 4

'THE O'BRIEN GIRL'

REMARKABLE MUSICAL COMEDY

The reports from Australia regarding the special merits of ‘The O’Brien Girl,’ the new dancing extravaganza to he staged at His Majesty's Theatre for the first time on Saturday evening, February 7, have had an effect on the box plans, and, although the plans opened only this morning, Alio booking for the initial and subsequent representations of this dancing musical comedy is already very heavy. Throughout tho play there is, it is said, color and movement, whilst tho story told is a romantic one and unique from every point of view. Tho company gathered by .Sir Benjamin Fuller and Mr Hugh Ward is entirely new to New Zealand, tho title rolo being enacted by Miss Mamie Watson, a charming young English actress from tho Gaiety Theatre, London, and who is said to express the sentiment demanded by the author, and to carry out the exactions of tho romantic part perfectly. In addition, there are many fresh personalities, notably Mark Daly, a brilliant comedian from tho Shaftesbury Theatre, London; Ena Dale, Ireland Cutter, June and Dorothy Roberts, from the New York Ziegfeld Follies; Hazel Harris, Wesley Prince, Layland Hodgson, Maudio Vera, Ann Vernon, Belje, Bedchambers, Eric Masters, and Royston M’Donnol. Special interest is attached to the reappearance of Mias Mav Beatty. There will be a full chorus and ballet, as well as a full opera orchestra, which will be under the direction of Mr Willy Redstone, an eminent English conductor and composer. A big feature of tho production will bo tho dressing, scenery, and lighting effects, which, it is said, are a revelation to local playgoers. The action is laid in and around a smart summer hotel, and through the narrative runs a romance between Alice O’Brien (played by Mamie Watson), a stenographer, and the son of one of her employers. The plot leads to several novel and very funny situations, Tho dressing is said to be exquisite, while haunting melodics, exhilarating dancing, and settings of rare beauty should make it an ideal attraction. Tho three'productions to be staged here during the season are 1 The O’Brien Girl,' 1 Little Nelly Kelly,’ and ‘Tangerine,’ and all are brought across from Australia in their entirety. There are many tons of electrical equipment and scenery, which, when erected, will give the stage of His Majesty’s Theatre the same appearance as tliose in Melbourne and Sydney. Dunedin theatregoers are assured that not one dross or act will be omitted from these productions. The management state that throughout the whole of the plays there is not one joke or act that could be questioned, and the comedians rely on clean, wholesome humor. The box plans are now open at The Bristol.