‘SALLY’

Evening Star, Issue 21724, 19 May 1934, Page 3

‘SALLY’

OPERATIC SOCIETY'S PRODUCTION June 2 will witness the production at His Majesty’s Theatre of the gorgeous and phenomenal musical comedy success 1 Sally,’ which ten years ago scored so heavily that it remains as one of the memorable stage efforts. Its lilting numbers cannot be forgotten. The comedy is being revived by the Dunedin Operatic and Dramatic Society in the Winter Show week, Ine society has to its credit a distinguished list of successes —‘ The Belle of New York,’ ‘ The Boy,’ ‘ The Runaway Girl,’ ‘ The Arcadians,’ ‘ The Country Girl,’ and ‘ Les, Cloches- do Corneville ’—but ‘Sally’ has so, many attractive qualities that a now record is confidently expected to be set. ‘ Sally ’ is built up by plenty of merriment, brilliant, spectacular effects, catchy musical airs, and lovely frocking. * The society is presenting an extensive cast containing several old favourites and some new' performers who, in this production, are likely to achieve their share of public popularity. Dancing is always viewed with great favour by audiences, and there is much - tripping of the light fantastic toe in * Sally.’ It is a dancing and singing show with the two big ingredients of entertainment cleverly mixed, supported with brilliant lighting, magnificent costuming, and artistic scenery. The admirably conceived ensembles will bo strikingly impressive, ns all sections of the production contain meu_ who have had long and varied experience. The opening cabaret scene lends itseJr to a spectacle which will immediately delmlit the eyes of the audience, hut the "climax of the succession of spectacles will bo the “moonlight” ballet at the end. From the opening act coinedv rims riot, and the simple little love story follows its gay and dancing wav to a happy ending. While light, the story serves its purpose of linking up a continuous series of songs, dances, ballots, and clever dialogues into an intelligible and most_ entertaining whole. Sally is something of a Cinderella, and." after exposure as a dishwasher, posing as a Russian danseuse, she dances and sings her way to happiness- . Jerome Kern wrote the scintillating music of ‘-Sallv ’ and Guy Bolton and Clifford Grev the lyrics. Songs like 1 Sally,’ ‘ On with the Dance.’ ‘ You Can’t Keen a Good Girl Down,’ ‘ Wild Rose,’ ‘ Whip-poor Will,’ and ‘ Lorelei ’ cannot lose their sweetness and grace. Miss Daphne Murdoch is Sally. She is petite and vivacious, and a graceful mistress of the art of dance. Her main supports are Stan Lawson (Duke Connie), Tui Northey (Rosalie).

Clarence Paine (Otis Hooper), Mason Harrould ■ (Pops Scherndoff), Jimmie M'Farlane (Blair Farquar), and Jack Figgins (Jemmy Spelvin).. Mr Lawson is producer and ballet master, and Mr J. Clark has developed the thorns to a new standard of volume and tuusou. Mr Angus Gorrie is the stage manner, and Air Vincent Tapp has unusual opportunities for illuminants in tliis colourful production. ‘ Sally ’ is to be presented for a season of one week, and the box plans are announced in this issue. '