“SONS O’ GUNS”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21406, 6 August 1931, Page 6

“SONS O’ GUNS”

J. C. WILLIAMSON MUSICAL COMEDY The latest J. C. Williamson musical comedy triumph, “ Sons o’ Guns,” which will be staged at His Majesty’s Theatre for a season of five nights beginning on Thursday night of next week, began its New Zealand tour at Wellington recently, and its premiere there will probably always be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to obtain admission to the Grand Opera House, which was taxed to its utmost capacity. Gus Bluett was the recipient of a won derful reception when he made his initial appearance, and the audience also warmly welcomed Leo Franklin and Alfred Frith. Bertha Riccardo, too, was received with much enthusiasm. That “ Sons o’ Guns ” can be more than favourably compared with “ Rose Marie ” and “The Student Prince.” can be gathered from the fact that no production has ever been received with such unstinted appreciation as that- expressed by the audience from the beginning to the end of the show. Many of the principal musical numbers had to be repeated, and the action of the play was on many occasions interrupted by the continuous laughter occasioned by the splendid comedy of Gus Bluett and his merry comrades. The final fall of the curtain witnessed an unparalleled scene, one that has never previously happened in a New Zealand theatre. Cheers were given for the artists, and the enthusiastic and delighted audience would not leave their seats until several of the principals in the cast came forward and expressed their appreciation of the wonderful reception given to them and to the production. It was a genuine triumph for the legitimate stage, and augurs well for the future of the comedy and drama in New Zealand. “ Sons o’ Guns” has all the outstanding assets to make up a successful musical play including delicious melodies, catchy tunes, brilliant and wholesome comedy, beautiful ballets, clever dances, gorgeous costumes, and several outstanding spectacular scenic effects. There are oyer 100 people concerned in the production of “Sons o’ Guns,” including a full operatic orchestra and ballet. The laughter probably reaches its highest point, in the prison scene where Gus Bluett contrives to get possession of the uniform worn by Alfred Frith. The latter —in tipsy condition and in a sue cession of ‘ simple good-humoured grotesque capera —passes over article after article until Mr Bluett has the complete outfit. From first to last the transfer is said to evoke shrieks of laughter. A special afternoon performance of “ Sons o’ Guns ” will be staged on Saturday, August 15. The box plans will be opened at the Bristol Piano Company on Tuesday morning next at 9 o’clock. A queue will be formed from 8 n.m. | j