“ARCHIE”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6629, 7 June 1928, Page 8

“ARCHIE”

MUSICAL C--.IEDY SUPREME. “Archie” at the Opera House will see the commencement of the big musical comedy festival of 1928, when Sir. Benjamin and John Fuller will present to the theatre-goers of Palmerston North, the very best of musical comedy produced and staged in the same lavish way as seen in New York and London, and as it was presented in the St. James’s Theatre, Sydney. During the Palmerston North season three of the latest big musical comedy successes will be stages. “Archie” will be the opening production, to be followed by “Sunny” and “Mercenary Mary. ’ ’ This brilliant company is headed by Elsie Prince and Jimmy Godden, who are supported by Charlton Morton and all the favourites of Sir. Benjamin and John Fullers’ “No, No, Nanette,” and “Lady be Good” company that caused such a big sensation when they toured the Dominion last year. While expressing all the growing charm, youth> medy and colour of ‘No, No Nanette” and “Lady Be Good,” “Archie” is in contrast to that phenomenal success by its distinctive atmosphere in story, setting and score. Its suave comedy, cleverly-contrived surprise situations, captivating orchestration, unique solo and ensomzlc dancing, brilliantly Coloured lighting, sparkling numbers, and rich modern frocking make .“Archie” a scintillating carnival of gaiety. It is veil studded with delightful musical runners. Outstanding features arc “Cairo Moon,” a great bit of character work in dialect portrayed by Elsie Prince and Jimmy Godden; “A Lane in Spain,” a tuneful ballad charmingly rendered by Betty Lambert; Elsie Park’s sweet voice will be heard in “On a Side Street,” A real note of pathos is touched by Elsie Prince in her solo: “C’est Vous,” and she has another winner in “My Idea of 'Heaven;” Jimmy Godden drones a doleful ditty, “There’s Nothing left for me to Live For,” which is put over in his own inimitable style. Among the spectacular numbers which give the beautiful ballet a chance to display their wonderful frocks and limbs, are “Underneath Your Parasole,” “On the Ritz” and “I Know All About Girls.”

The box plans for the season open at the Opera House to-morrow morning at 9 o ’clock.'