THE GIRL FRIEND’

Evening Star, Issue 20040, 4 December 1928, Page 4

THE GIRL FRIEND’

musical comedy season Tuneful and colourful, tho musical comedy, ‘ The Girl Friend/ was staged for tho second time before a largo attendance at His Majesty’s Theatre last night, and throughout tho three hours of its showing the piece proved thoroughly entertaining. Tho comedy is bright and wholesome*, the dancing is cleverly executed, and tho music and songs are tuneful and pretty. The costuming and staging are of a high standard in keeping with tho manner in whicii J. C. Williamson productions are treated in every respect. Tho action of 1 The Girl Friend ’ is brisk, and tho various members of the capable company utilise their opportunities to good advantage. In tho cast aro a number of old favourites, such as Gus Bluett, May Beatty and her daughter Bunny, James Hughes (last hero with ‘ Rose Mario’), and Billie Lockwood, who had a warm reception. Miss Annie Croft proved a charming leading lady with a prettv voice well controlled. Sho appeared to special advantage in ‘ Bluo Room’ and ‘Mountain Scenery’ in company with Air Reginald Sharland, who also proved a capable partner in various attractive, dances. The work of the chorus and ballet was exceedingly well carried out, bub probably thomost enjoyable feature of ‘ The Girl Friend ’ was tho comedy work of Gus Bluett, Leo Franklin, James Hughes, and Miss Billio Lockwood, which was highly diverting. ‘ Tho Girl Friend ’ will ho staged again to-night and to-morrow night. ‘ HIT THE DECK ’ The Dunedin season of the J. C. Williamson Comedy Company will extend till Saturday next. ‘The Girl Friend ’ will terminate to-morrow night, and on Thursday night tho company will produce for tho first time in Dunedin tho rollicking and delightful musical comedy, ‘ Hit tho Deck;’ Sailors and thoir variable tastes in sweethearts aro responsible for much of the fun. The plot deals wjth tho story of tho lass who loves a sailor, and attractive scenic effects and musical numbers will ho introduced.