'SO THIS IS LOVE'

Evening Star, Issue 20586, 11 September 1930, Page 9

'SO THIS IS LOVE'

ANOTHER PLEASING COMEDY CLEM DAWE’S AMUSING FROLICS Unlike some other shows classed as such, ‘ Love Lies ’ and ‘So This is Love ’ mo two pieces which, for their generous admixture of music and comedy, could not bo labelled as other than musical comedy. With ‘ Love Lies ’ tho English company opened its season at His Majesty’s Theatre, and the public quickly showed that it was pining for an occasional return to the stage of its people. The lighter side of the stage is again presented in ‘ So This is Love,’ and Dunedin will be all the cheerier for having once more looked upon so sunny a face. ‘ So This is Love ’ is a three-act, musical comedy written by Stanley Lupine and Arthur Rigby, with music by Hal Brody and lyrics by Desmond Carter. It is an amusing show, consistently humorous throughout. A welter of diverting situations have been constructed over the flimsy plot by the authors. The-fun. is fast and furious; the jokes are original and witty: the plot wanders through entangled romances *nd a ruptured honeymoon. While sugary, tho romance is cleverly developed. The trouble is all due to Pamela Stewart’s resolute decision not to accept the pleading Peter Malden on the grounds that he is separated from her by a mountain of wealth Hap J. Hazzard, a livewire American, and Potty Griggs step in, concoct a story of the loss of the Malden millions, and generally succeed in alienating the affection of Pamela for Peter. Potty is on his honeymoon at the time, and his business pursuits lead to a break with his bride. In the end all parties are made happy and united, and tho curtain is rung down on joyful, exuberant singing of ‘ So This is Love.’ Music and comedy are heavily proportioned ingredients of ‘So This 1 is Love.’ In only that respect, and in its providing Clem . lawe with an opportunity of two and a-half hours’ frisking in funland, is ‘ So This is Love ’ like its predecessor. Last night’s audience left tho theatre wholly satisfied and happy. The piece is a gloomchaser. * Love Lies ’ was a show of heavy demands, but the company appeared with full vim and vigour m the now offering. The piece appeared to suit the company better than the first play, and the action and comedy never flagged. Spontaniety, enthusiasm, and activity are features of the collective efforts. In its songs ‘So This is Love ’ is a little weaker than ‘Love Lies ; but there can be no denying that the numbers are more appropriate for the vocal qualities of the company. Consequently the performers are more at home and the efforts all round are distinctly creditable. Clem Dawe is extremely entertaining. Ho is a cheery soul, and iu these days of unemployment, depression, and increased taxation lie deserves a rich salary. His energy is surprising. Clem must be one of tho most active mid ebullient comedians who ever made periodic returns to delight Dunedin audiences. He has always something new to present, and his ingenuity is amazing. As Potty, who says “ ore is an anesthetic. You take one deep breath and you are unconscious for tho rest of your life,” Mr Dawe cavorts always. in tho front as if he is enjoying himself as much as his audience. With Kitty Stewart Clem sings ‘l’m a Little Bit Shy.*—a tuneful number —with freedom, and his sing-, ing of ‘ Hats Off to Edgar Wallace ’ is easily his best song of tho season. His front lino support in the comic episodes is Bobby Gordon, .an excellent foil. Mr Gordon bounds into the piece and his breeziness is infectious. ‘ I’ll See To It,’ with Miss Stewart, is a song really well sung. It is impossible not to enjoy Mr Gordon’s youthful effervescent style. Michael Cole is completely at home as Peter Malden, and he will find many more admirers than he did in ‘ Love Lies.’ His acting is sincere and finished, and hit singing is. excellent, ./ith Betty Eley Mr Cole tells the love story very charmingly; for once, the story is told without the lovers bursting into song. It is a pleasant relief. Miss Eley is a refined secretary. Her presence is imposing; she acts witli feeling; and her singing is sweet. • Miss Stewart romps through the story and adds brightness to the tale. Paul Plnnket, Dan Agar, aud Compton Coutts have small parts, hut they could nob bo more satisfactorily filled. Mario Eaton and Mona Barleo invest their parts with grace. As, in ‘ Love Lies,’ tho dancing is a feature. Tho fourteen young ladies and the six men make a perfect combina-V-u. They execute an intricacy of stops with a. precision, swing, and sparkle i‘ ...t would earn f them a place in tho front row of a ballet iu a superfine American musical comedy talkie picture show. Tho attractiveness of tho ballet is nob confined to leg move- uts. Tho girls are not only pleasing to watch at work, but decidedly pleasant personally. They are a happy bevy who revel in their work. Yesterday they rehearsed all morning, worked at the matinee, and appeared again in the evening. Their energy is coloss J. At the end of the show they were still “ stepping lively.” Tho audience was highly appreciative of tLeir efforts. -Miss Mo:: \ Zeppell and John Robertson guvo another excellent specialty dance, ‘ Mardi Gras,’ They are clever and artistic dancers. The settings are pretty and tho ensembles ai j very colourful. The gowning is exquisite. Gregory Ivanoff’s orchestra is again a well-balanced combination and merits credit for tho co-operation with the company.