“High Jinkss”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7060, 7 November 1929, Page 6

“High Jinkss”

SECOND NIGHT PRODUCTION. With the added confidence brought by a successful opening performance, the Palmerston North amateurs, in their second night’s production of “High Jinks’’ were even more at home with this tuneful and laughterfilled musical comedy than at the opening night.

“High Jinks” is one of a number of pre-war musical comedies which are very kindly remembered by all who saw ith-oir first production by J. 0. Williamson’s Ltd. A wartime revival in London had all the success of the original production, and has earned for tho comedy a reputation, of its own. In its requirements it is more exacting than the society’s last effort, “The Runaway Girl” and the fact that it has boen produced even more successfully than the 1928 production, marks a definite step forward in the progress of tho society. The success of the Palmerston North Society’s 1929 effort can be ascribed to three factors. Firstly, a more than usually attractive medium; secondly, a cast which could do justice to the production, and thirdly, a thoroughly competent producer. Last evening’s production waß refreshingly free from the influence of the prompter. Tho audience was very appreciative and justly so, for the efforts of tho cast deserved very full recognition. Tho society has been particularly fortunate in possessing two such outstanding artists as Miss Naomi Whalley and Miss Ulu Hancock. Miss Whalley has, a voice which in itself is a delight and she was entrusted with several very charming vocal numbers. Her singing, particularly in the delightful “Bubble Song” was one of the outstanding features of an outstanding production. Miss Whalley’s co-star is Miss Hancock. This youthful artist has gonO from strength to strength until iu “High Jinks,” she has achieved tho most outstanding success of her career, Sho has a part which is built for her, roqulring all that vivacity and charm which she possesses in abundance and uses to such effect. Another very promising portrayal was that of Miss E. Boon as Florence the nurse, a part which gave this young artist opportunity for some clever dancing. Miss D. Morgan, as Chi-Chi, is another strong vocalist who combines a good voice with acting ability and stage charm. Miss M. Lo Chcminant had a walking on part as the wife of M. Robelais and did what was required of her very creditably whilo Mrs. M. Hansel was well cast as the hardlyused wife of Dr. Thorne. In the choice of Mr. E. Seeker as junior lead, the society has also been very fortunate for he adds to the advantage of a good baritone voice a virility in his acting. Among tho male leads, however, even more work fell on Mr. G. Remington, who as Dr. Thorne, has undoubtedly added another success to ® long list of characterisations. Another piece of good work was the taking of the part of Colonel Slaughter by Mr. F. Cousins. As the apoplectic and amorously inclined Colonel, he is most convincing. Mr. B. Eising is ono of tho younger but rising stars, and in his part of Mr. Jacques Robelais,. the jealous and temperamental French husband, he has made his most outstanding characterisation to date. Ono catches glimpses also of Mr. Harry Palmer, who wanders off and on as. an itinerant and who might, have stayed longer with advantage. Mr. Leng-Ward as J. J. Jeffreys, the millionaire who was no relation to the boxing champion, showed both acting and singing ability in the portrayal ot a rather difficult part. With charming ballets and a good orchestra under that batoil of Mr. J. Graham, tho production had colour and melody, while the stage managing, and all-important points of detail had obviously received very careful a en tion.