“PRIMROSE”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12425, 20 April 1926, Page 11

“PRIMROSE”

PRETTY MUSICAL COMEDY OPENS AMAZING LIGHTING EFFECTS. With shows coming along so frequently, something has to oe exceptionally good to stand out. Among musical comedies “Primrose” undoubtedly docs this. This three act production, which was presented for the first time in New Zealand at the Opera House last evening under the direction of J. C. Williamson, and interpreted by a talented company of artists, has created a good impression for many reasons. It is sparkling all through, chock full of fun and fast movement, brilliant and original in setting, and replete with bright, catchy songs and vivacious ballets.

In “Primrose” there are many well-known figures in front rank parts, while in the leading roles are cast the irrepressible comedian, George Gee, and the winsome Margery Hicklin, the latter having played the title part in this production at Home. Gee returns with a greater fund of humour, the same magnetic personality, and the tricks and mannerisms which stamp him indelibly as the finished comedian. “Primrose” is truly a mirth producer, but this is not its only qualification. The staging and dancing are unique in design and magnificent in execution, the most amazing feature of' the show being a brilliant colour spectacle in' the last act, in Margery Hicklin and chorus are singing “Blue Hoozier Blues,” and by a switch of the lights are transformed from Quakers to the darkest of darkies from the plantations before the very eyes />f the audience. Another turn of the lights, and they • dance in pretty costumes of red and white. The transformation is genuine, and illustrates the wonderful effects which have been secured for the production of the play. Miss Hicklin takes the part of Joan Falls, who falls in love with Hillary Vane (Leyland Hodgson), a novelist; while Toby Meopham (George Gee) is endeavoruring to escape the clutches of Pinkie Peach (Dorothy Lena) to whom he proposed in an indiscreet moment. Joan is engaged to Freddy Falla (Hugh Steyne), a cousin, who does not lover her. All look to the novelist to finish the story and get them out of the difficulties. How he does it is interwoven in. one of the prettiest little comedy romances imaginable. Miss Hicklin takes a part requiring a variety of . emotion Joan is demure, but she tries to vamp Hillary, and then sings to him that * ‘Somebody Loves Me.” She fills the role to perfection, and in addition to her creditable acting, she struck a favourable note with her dancing and vocal work. Throughout the play rier duet, repeated with Hodgson, “Some Far Away Someone,” brought one back to the gradually straightening romantic tangle George Gee’s funniest . moments were when he adopted disguise to pose as the spiritualist professor, and did his little part in persuading Joan’s guardian (Harry Wotton) to the correct point of view. Mias Dorothy Lena was welcomed back in no- uncertain manner, and at the conclusion of her performance she was given a rousing ovation. Her beet vocal number was with Geo. Gee add Jack Cannot, “Tho Meopliams.” Other favourites are given creditable parts in the show, while the songs brought with them spmething fresh and catchy. “Somebody Loves Me,” “All Alone,” and “Naughty Baby” wero tho best liked of Miss Hicklin’e efforts, and George Gee excelled in “What Love Means to Girls Like Me,” and with Hugh Steyne in . “Mary, Queen of Scots.” “IJoy Wanted” gave Miss Lena a pleasing part. Reita Nugent and Frank Harvey were seen in some clever and splendidly executed specialty dances, the latter taking a prominent part in “L’Amour d’un Faun,” in which statues moved from their pedestals, danced, and returned. The ballet work, ever such an essential portion of a good show, was featured in the splendid lighting ef-. fccts, and these combined to provide a remarkably pretty background to the whole proouction. “Primrose,” which is to show for five more nights, is classed as one of the brightest shows of its kind since “Wildflower.” “Primrose” will be repeated to* night and the four following evenings. There will he a matinee performance of “Primrose” next Saturday, commeno* ing at 2 o’clock. Box plans for the remainder of the season are now open at the Bristol.