MUSICAL COMEDY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20521, 24 March 1930, Page 7

MUSICAL COMEDY.

REVIVAL OF "SUNNY." SPARKLING PERFORMANCE. In "Sunny," which opened a season at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday, the English Musical Comedy Company now playing at the theatre has given one of its brightest offerings. Its attractive musical numbers, clever dancing and witty dialogue* make "Sunny" a great favourite, and in the hands of Mr. Forbes and his talented company it retained its charm.

Excellent scope for comedy work is given to Mr. Forbes, and ho is not slow to seize every opportunity of spreading the infection of his genial humour. Tho part of Jim Deering, which ho takes, is one that suits his capabilities to perfection, and he succeeds in infusing into the rolo a number of drolleries that are peculiarly his owei, without in any way detracting from the original. In the unavoidable gaps in the continuity of the story Mr. Forbes was again a host in hipiself, and while he held the stage alone he succeeded in keeping his audience in constant merriment. His outstanding success on Saturday evening was a song, "Don't Be Cruel to a Vegetable," the comical absurdities of which were irresistible.

The musical numbers, some of the most popular of stage' songs in recent years/ were splendidly rendered by a company which was strong in vocal talent. The happy lilt of "Sunny" and tho catchy refrain of "Who," the theme song which threads its way through the performance were presented by singers and orchestra alike with refreshing enthusiasm. Another pretty number was "Two Little Bluebirds," in which Mr.. Ernest Arnley and Miss Catherine Stews.rt scored a success and had to give a number of encores. Miss Stewart proved herself, a comedienne oi! marked ability and with Mr. Arnley she created a very favourable " impression. Miss Betty Lambert, who. played the pt.rt of Sunny Peters, was called ppon to take a largo share of the vocal work, and in this she acquitted herself admirably, while acting* with a spirited grace which won her rounds of well-merited .ipplause. The dancing of the ballet was verydainty. Miss Verna Bain gave two brilliant toe dances, which wore an attractive combination of speed and grace. Another specialty dance, contributed by tho Arnley brothers, -was veiy well received. A delightful interlude was the singing of a male quartette composed of Messrs. O'Keefe, Perrin, Frank Wignall and Fred Webber. This talented musical combination gave several attractive numbers, which were well received, the audience being laath to let them leave the stage. The orchestra, c.nder the direction of Mr. Frank Crowther, received its share of appreciation from the audience for the lively interpretation it had imparted to the musical score. The success of "Sunny" should afford ample proof to Mr. Forbes and his company of the warm welcomo which Auckland 'audiences are ready to extend to such attractive revivals of musical comedy successes. "Sunny" will be played for five more nights and will be followed by "Mercenary Mary," which will commencee next Saturday.