“Sally” Sings and Taps the Blues Away

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 226, 25 September 1935, Page 6

“Sally” Sings and Taps the Blues Away

OPERATIC SOCIETY’S CAPTIVATING PRESENTATION

Banished by song and dance, the

bides made a hasty exit from the city last night beforo the laughing onslaughts of “Sally,” the current musical comedy offering of the Palmerston North Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, which opened its season in . the Opera House. Tho successes in this genre which tho society has to its credit are many, but it is no extravagance to suggest that theatregoers will be impressed with “Sally” as a contribution equal to anything previously given in the city by amateurs. Its qualities of gaiety, charm and rich pleasure did more than impress; they took triumphant possession of the firstnight audience —which was of gratifying proportions. Refreshing as it is in every aspect, there can bo no doubt that “Sally” gains added entertaining power from the fact that it incorporates more dancing features than any recent musical presentation. With a cast singularly talented to take every advantage of this art, thero results an effect which, imposed on all tho usual resources—song and music, .ballets, frockings, and pulsing humour — achieves a finely durable impression.

Sally, a foundling, is introduced as a dishwasher into the restaurant of “Pops” Shendorff by Mrs Ten Brock. Here she meets Blair, tho son of Richard Farquar, tho financier. Her charms appeal to him. She also meets Constantine, Duke of Czeehogovinia, who is vainly trying to perform the duties of a waiter. Through his influenco with “Pops,” Sally gets an opportunity of dancing to tho patrons, among whom are Otis Hooper, of tho AngloAmerican Vaudeville Agency, Squantamville, and his fiancee Rosie, After seeing the performance they scheme to substitute Sally for the famous Russian dancer, Noskerova, who is unable to appear at a garden fete given by Richard Farquar. Complications arise and a quarrel ensues between Blair and Sally. Sally’s dancing, however, proves successful, and she becomes premiere danseuse at “The Follies,” and tho story ends at “The Church ’Round the Corner.” Gifts of a charming stago presence, vocal attainments and dancing ability servo to mako Miss Edna Boon the ideal Sally. Her presentation is a revelation *of grace; she sings and dances with great vivacity, whether carrying off a solo number or sharing the stage with tho ballet and the male leads. Many tuneful numbers fall to her lot, but tho simplo beauty of “Wild Rose,” sung to the male chorus, is outstanding in its appeal. Other delightful songs in which she is associated with Mr Spraggon are “Whip-poor-will” and “Look for tho Silver Lining.” Miss Ulu Hancock must bo a joy to any producer for the manner in which she valiantly tackles any part allotted to her. The scope of her role as Rosie, tho American manicurist, is all too narrow for her undoubted artistry. She however proves herself an attractive soubrette, scoring at every turn. Her stagecraft has few amateur parallels. In the dance and trio, “Lorelei,” with Ottis and Jimmie, sho contributes one of her best numbers. A small part faithfully portrayed is that of Mrs Ten Brock, as presented by Miss D. Wischnewsky, who was called upon at short notice. His talent shining through the whole show, Mr. J. D. Mcßrearty is discovered as a born comedian, and the weight of the comedy is gaily shouldered by him. Versatile in his every action, an accomplishoi dancer, and revealing a wealth of happy eccentricities of gait and gesturo, ho tumbles about the stage with studied abandon. A pseudowaiter in the first act, he becomes an impossibly bizarre duke after the first curtain. His introduction of local sallies into tho singing of “Tho Sch-nitza-Komissiki” is intriguingly funny. His flood of rollicking diversions is quite irresistible, and his debut would alono suffice to establish the success of “Sally.” Easily vigorous in the character of Blair Farquar, Mr. E. G. Spraggon plays with every confidence, and, aided by a fine baritone voice, holds the audience in several solos, of which “Dear Little Girl” and “Sally” are the brightest. Hia sincerity ex-

tracts the part from any scmblanco ot overdone sentimentality. Mr. A. J. Vernon, appearing in Palmerston Nortn for the first time, is obviously no newcomer to tho stage, and fully sustains the reputation that has heralded him as a fun-maker of the first order. His interpretation of a bouncing vaudeville agent is breezy to tho right degree. He is a living exemplar of his own motto: “Let ’er Go!” and is a splendid sparring partner for Rosie and Connie. Mr. S. W. Oliver gives a good characterisation of tho harassed proprietor of the Alley Inn, “Pops Shendorff,” and enlists the sympathy of tho audience in his encounter with the would-bo-waiter, “Connie.” Mr. C. N. Rabone is always a conscientious worker and makes the most of a small part as Richard Farquar. Mr. Ron Hatch lias been promoted and on this occasion gives a most amusing interpretation of Admiral Travers, one of the gay ones. A newcomer to the ranks of tho amateurs is Mr. P. Knox, who is effective as Sascha, tho violinist at tho Alley Inn. Another newcomer is Mr. C. Watkins, who is a very likeable Jimmie Bpelvin. Although making his first appearance before the footlights, Mr. Watkins showed a natural aptitude for the stage.

Staging on this occasion is particularly colourful. Splendid effects are obtained in tho Elm Tree Inn, and in the garden seeno at the residence of Richard Farquar, where tho .introduction oi ballets in national peasant costume gives a stirring vivacity of action and colour tones. Every detail of production has received faithful attention. Ono of tho triumphs of tho evening was the ballet at “tho Follies,” the grouping and lighting of which evoked instantaneous applause. Mr. Harrison Cook and his associate, Mr. Fred Cousins, deserve full laurels. People on the Stage. Tho foundlings associated with “Sally” fa two effcotivo numbers are Misses Hayes Fauchelle, V. Royal, B. Purtou, J. Carruthors, V. Mitchell, C. Kncebone, J. Kirkpatrick and D. Mason. Ladies of the chorus: Misses O. Blair, D. Brown, E. A. E. Cameron, M. Cronin, J. Chapman, P. Campbell, M. Cooksley, N. Denham, N. Davidson, P. Edwards, J. Edwards, P. James, Z. Klee, D. Klee, D. Keys, M. Le Cheminant, N. Orchard, J. Pemberty, R. Penman, M. Thorburn.

Gentlemen of the chorus: Messrs 11. Bourke, 11. E. Bennett, P. Campbell, V. Contour, J. E. Flavell, A. L. Harris, R. Metcalf, J. O’Connell, B. Pearcey, G. Sutherland, R. Ward, W. J. Aldersley, L. Cooksley. Corps de ballet: Misses V. Berryman, M. Clark, N. Edwards, M. Edwards, P. Furlong, M. Hancock, B. Muir, M. Muir, S. Whitekouse, K. Boyle, C. Vaughan; solo dancers, Miss K. Boyle aud Mr. E. J. Bills.

There are many enthusiastic workers off stage in this successful production, inclu _.ig Mrs. J. P. McDavitt and Mr. E. G. Becker in charge of wardrobes.

A well balanced orchestra under the control of tho musical director, Mr. A. J. Graham, presents Jeromo Kern’s popular meloaics admirably throughout, Mrs. Clift, L.A.8., at tho piano and Mrs. R. S. Law, L.K.S.M., as leader. Tho season will continue until Saturday.