“ARCHIE”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6634, 13 June 1928, Page 8

“ARCHIE”

GREAT RECEPTION FOR BRIGHT MUSICAL COMEDY

Once again, it has been demonstrated that musical comedy is the most popular theatre attraction of to day, ft is essentially topical in its nature, lignt, bright, and scintillating—the very antithesis of boredom and of dullness. It appeals to the craving for melody wnich is latent in every man, and drives dull care away, with the sparkle of its comedy. “Archie" with,which the famous “No, No, Nanette" company opened a three night season in Palmerston North last evening is typical of the genus, musical comedy. It possesses Just sufficient plot and story to render it connected; it has a wealth of bright and clever comedy, it has deiightiuliy frocked ballets dancing before gorgeous scenes, and it has its full quota of lilting vocal numbers to which the singers do complete justice. The Opera House was crowded to its doors, when the curtain rose on the first scene; and when that curtain fell it was an enthusiastic band of advertisers for the following productions of the company that left the auditorium. Apart, however, from the excellent fare presented, there were two names on the hoardings, which were in themselves, a guarantee of the success of the production. Elsie Prince and Jimmy Godden arc, in the words of the platform speaker, “too well-known to need further introduction." Once again last evening, they renewed the popular appeal they made with “No, No, Nanette" and ‘Lady Be Good." A n expectant and appreciative house, time after time accorded its tribute to the “stars", such not alone in name but in achievement. Jimmy Godden as Archie Cobb,' the easy-going husband, who later develops the “cave-man stuff,” was the life and soul of the piece. A master of facial expression and the whimsical, Mr Godden is a comedian born, who withal, possesses quite a fair singing voice. Miss Elsie Prince, as Archie's much maligned wife, was as vivacious and charming as ever. She sang that appealing little number “C'cst Yous" very charmingly indeed, while her character work in the duet number “Cairo Moon" was exceptionally clever. Her final number ‘My Idea of Heaven" received a rousing reception as an appreciation of a most entertaining piece of work. The principals are excellently supported by a strong cast. Nolle Beane, as Lady Violet, the woeful widow, Charlton Morton as Toby Kerwyn, Archie’s pal, George Willoughby as Sir Michael, the bibulous baronet, and Elsie Parkcs as Angela, the blushing maid, played their various parts convincingly and well. The dancing of the attractively frockcd ballet was of a very high order even for a show backed by Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller. Some of the scenes and ballets were of entrancing beauty, especially “Palm Court" which saw the finale and the ‘Underneath Your Parasol” number. With this excellent foretaste of the entertainment to come, when 1 “Sunny" and “Mercenary Mary" arc presented to-night and to-morrow night, Palmerston North theatre-goers will owe a debt of gratitude to the Fuller Company for their enterprise in bringing such an entertaining trio of productions to this town, “SUNNY” COLOURFUL PRODUCTION TO-NIGHT. To-night, the famous “No No Nanette,” and “Lady Be Good ” musical comedy company, which is on tour, at present under the auspices of Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller, wib present the second of the three delightful productions which it bar brought to Palmerston North. “Sunny," the spectacular musical comedy, is the tale of a circus rider who becomes a stowaway aboard a ship. The captain marries her to Jinj Dcering, but she is in love with another, Tom Warren. The latter finds consolation in Woomo Windle Such is the love theme of this bright musical comedy, to be presented by Sir Benjamin and John Faber's English Musical Comedy Company. “Sunny’s” spectacular scones include aboard the s.s. Triumphant, a circus tent at Southampton, the poppy fields, Florida, and the Majestic Hotel. Among tbt song hits are: “Who ” “I'vo Looked for Trouble," “Do You Love Mcf" “Dear Little Bluebird," “I Might Grow- Fonder of You,” and “Sunny." Everywhere “Sunny has uad a wonderful reception, and is accounted one of the best “draws” which can be played.