“GOING UP ”

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10507, 7 February 1920, Page 8

“GOING UP ”

REAPPEARANCE IN WELLINGTON WILLIAMSON COMEDY COMPANY’S PRODUCTION. por vivacity, dainty music, pretty ballots, and wholesome humour one could hardly wish for a more enjoyable evening's entertainment than, that provided in the musical farcc-comedy “Going Up,” which was introduced! at the Grand Opera House last night by the J. G. "Williamson New JQugiieh Musical Comedy Company. “Going Pp” is not new to Wellington audiences, for it is not very long since it was staged at the same theatrd by an equally brilliant company; and this previous introduction established a popularity for the play which still lives, evidence of which is to be found in the fact that many a piano is commonly heard to tinkle out the brightest and most infectious selections from its incidental music. Prom overture to final fall of curtain there is never a dull moment in the light but amusing plot, the audience being captivated by a succession of laughable jokes, catchy and rhythmical songs, and attractive ballets. ,

la a role of a semi-absurd order Mr Alfred Prith, the central figure in the comedy, as the ahthor-aviator, who, without the least knowledge of flying, wins an air race, and incidentally a charming wife, found a part which admirably. suited his particular style and mannerism. Though be was essentially tho prime mover of the piece,, there is abundant opportunity in the supporting parts for the other “leads" of . the company! to shin© forth. Mis? Grade Lavers, as Grace Douglas, the pseudo-fly logman's ultimate reward for the winning of a wager, was particularly successful, and her dainty charm and nicely-subdued voice endeared her to the hearts of many. Quite a feature of the performance was provided by the duet dancing of Miss Madge Elliott and Mr Cyril Eitchard, who appeared in a number of movements of a bacchanalian character, utilising every foot of stage space, and even resorting to a small table-top to execute a miniature “Tickletoo.” The most successful vocal items were presented by Hiss Cecil Bradley, who has tho advantage over her fellow-artists of a somewhat etronger voice. Her best efforts were secured in “I want a Determined Boy,” and “A Little Birch Canoe,” which was enriched by a male choir. Air Field Fisher made the most of his opportuities in the role of the mechanician, Sam Eobinson, Miss Ploie Allan and Mr Pifie Bush had fairly responsible positions to fill, and gave general satisfaction. The chorus and ballet yvork right throughout showed careful training; the aeroplane ballet effect was very successful, though the stage proved a little small for some of the young ladies on tho wings, who had difficulty in negotiating the footlights. All the most captivating choruses, including . tho well-known "Ttckloboe.” yvero enthusiastically encored. The orchestral music, which was directed by Mr Harry Burton, was always well-subdued.

‘ Going Up” veil he staged nightly till Thursday evening nest, when it will give place to “High Jinks.’*