THE MUSICAL COMEDY “ARCHIE”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6633, 12 June 1928, Page 8

THE MUSICAL COMEDY “ARCHIE”

SEASON COMMENCES TO-NIGHT. Great interest is being manifested in Palmerston North in the London musical comedy season commencing at the Opera House to-night, when Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller will present their famous “No, No, Nanette” and “Lady, Be Good” company, who, it will be remembered by theatre-goers caused such a big sensation here last year, in London’s latest success, “Archie,” the fascinating musical comedy, starring Elsie Prince, Jimmy Godden, and Charlton Morton. “Archie” is the type of play that all theatre-goers love. It reflects the mood of the moment in its gay, catchy music, in its fascinating froeking, in its witty comedy, and laughable situations, and its novel dancing. Its song numbers have a lilting charm. Outstanding features are “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 sung by Betty Lambert; Elsie Parke’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’cst Vous” and she has another winner in “My Idea of Heaven”; Jimmy Godden drones a doleful ditty, “There’s Nothing Left in Life for me to Live for,” which is put over in his own inimitable style. Among the spectacular numbers which give the beauty ballet a chance to display their wonderful frocks and limbs, are: “Under neath Your Parasol,” “On the Ritz,” and “I Know All About Girls.” Elsie Prince is more charming than ever, and Jimmy Godden, with his droll humour, provides the sparkle to the effervescent wine of wit throughout the show. Heralded as one of the most brilliant companies that have yet been presented in the Dominion, a statement amply borne out by press criticisms, the, season promises to bo a record one. During the season “Archie” will bo followed by two distinctive musical comedy successes, “Sunny” and “Mercenary Mary.” The box plans for “Archie” arc at tho Opera House, where phenomenal booking is being recorded.