“SALLY.”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 246, 14 September 1935, Page 8

“SALLY.”

It is very rarely that a modern musical comedy sued as "Salty” can be obtained ior production by amateurs in New Zealand. However, through the courtesy of .Messrs J. G. Williamson, Ltd., the Pamicrsion North Operatic society is fortunate ill being able to announce that it has scoured tne ngtits lor tins singing, dancing, and musical treat,* and proposes 10 open a live nights' season on luusday, September 2-1, vvitn Jerome Kern’s wen-known and popular “lilt.’’ The story is well known. It concerns the rise to tame of a “Sally of the Alley,*’ a born dancer, who is engaged as a dishwasher at tne “Alley Inn, ' and vvno rises'lo tame as the pitncipai dancer ol the h ollies. In tins part Airs \V. W liiLehouse (Miss Edna liOoii) is particularly well cast. Aliss Loon is the vtiy chaiacterisatioii of md dancer and Her bright singing and vivacious acting mark one of the best performances ol Her career. Alias Lnu llano-ox, one of the brightest spots in tne local histrionic firmament, whose artistry in varied roles lias been well demonstrated, lanes a comedy part as "Kosie," tne manicurist, and Anss W. Al. Scott is Mrs Tui Brock, tne settlement worker, and to this part Aliss Scott bungs tier usual refinement and accuracy ol portrayal. Air Arthur \ ernon taxes the part ot Otis Hooper, the vaudeville agent Horn Squantanvuie. Ail: \ union, though tills is his hist appearance in Tatnierslon North, has had a wide experience in amateur work m other cities. He is an excellent comedian and he shares the comedy with Connie (Mr J. McBiuarly J, who gives an excellent interpretation ol the duke turned waiter, some ol the situations between Otis and Connie are productive of real live, humour, and tne work is cleverly done. Mr E. G. Spraggon's powerful voice will be heard in some ol the tuneful musical numbers —"Sally,” and “The Church Round the Corner” duet with Sally. His part is that of Blair Farquliar, who fails in love with Sally. Air W. Jl. Uliiver is admirably cast in an excellent character part as “Bop’s” Shcndorff, proprietor of tiie “Alley Inn,” witose gruff manner conceals a kindly' heart. Mr C. N. Kabonc plays Richard Farquliar, the millionaire who receives his guests at a garden fete. A number of original ballets have been arranged for the production by Airs Bailey, and the chorus work, which features male voices as well as splendid renditions, is a distinct advance on anything ever before attempted locally. The .scenery comprises four distinct changes and this all pro-1 vides a fresh, clean, springlike atmosphere so necessary' when love is in control. One particular good scene depicts the “Church - Round the Corner” and the bride (in her white frock and veil) and groom, dressed for the occasion, give added atmosphere to an | interesting production. The singing numbers arc particularly good, such items as “Whip-o’Will.” “Wild Rose,” “Sally,” “Dear Little Girl,” being well known, while Connie tells many secrets of local happenings on the banks of the Schuitza Komiski.

Air. Harrison Cook is the- producer, and lie has the advantage of the assistance of Air Fred Cousins, whose work over a number of years lias been a credit to himself and of great benefit to the society.