“NO, NO, NANETTE”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22422, 17 November 1934, Page 5

“NO, NO, NANETTE”

SEASON OPENS TO-DAY. The season of the musical comedy “ No, No, Nanette,” will be opened this afternoon with the matinee at His Majesty s Theatre, and the heavy bookings for the night performance assure the Dunedin Operatic and Dramatic Society of an auspicious opening day. For its entertainment value alone “No, No, promises to be the most popular of the many productions of the society, but the unanner in which the piece is staged will add to the wide appeal. A new standard in production has been aimed at by the society, which, fortunately, as a result of public support, has been in a position to spare no expense in dressing and mounting the comedy in the best style. Most of the wardrobe was specially imported from Sydney, the best local musicians were engaged to form the orchestra, and the producers (Messrs Stan Lawson and Angus Qorrie) __ were given carte blanche to make “No, No, Nanette, a spectacular and beautiful entertainment. In measure and in balance the traditional components of musical comedy arc present in “No, No, Nanette,” which was described, when first produced seven years ago, as a masterpiece of its kind. That it was above the ordinary was shown by its successful and record-break-ing runs in Australia, England, and the United States. Foremost is its musical charm. It is crammed with pretty melodic numbers for both chorus and soloists. Vincent Youmans used more melodies in the one piece than some of the betterknown composers now give in three musical comedies. For long many o: the numbers have been universally popular, the gems being “ I Want to be Happy " (which is the theme of the play). "No, No, Nanette.” “Tea for Two,” “100 Many Rings Round Rosie,” “The Call of the Sea,” “ You Can Dance with Any Girl.” and “ Take a Little One Step.” The music is supported by comedy, original dancing, and brilliant ensembles. The comedy is wholesome, with not a line to cause a blush, and it is restrained. There hi no place for the slap-stick comedian in * No, No, Nanette,” and Messrs T. R. Vanity and Clarence Paine and Misses Gwenda Burt and Erann Ncwbold comprise a merry, mirth-provoking team. Tn their

concerted work they display a complete understanding, and from the many comedy elements they extract the maximum of laughter. While the humorous incidents are numerous, they are interspersed by ensembles, vimful and kaleidoscopic, in which the whole company of 100 appears at times, and delightful song scenas, in which Misses Freda Elmes and Lettie de Clifford and Messrs Harold M. Bain (the juvenile- lead), Paine, and Vanity combine. Misses de Clifford and Elmes have soprano voices of rich quality, and their personalities will grace the presentation. Misses Audrey Watson, Doreen Dore, and Jean Liddicoat complete the list of principals as the girls from Washington, and ’Frisco who besiege Jimmie and his wealth. The Stan Lawson School of Dancing provides an array of ialcnt, clever juveniles and matured artists. The ballets will charm with their grace and originality. Mr Lawson has excelled himself in devising novelties, for from the first act there are dancing ensembles of distinction and cleverness. The toe and tap dancing will set the feet of all members of the audience moving in rhythm. Among the delights of the ballets are the doll dance, which is whimsical, the fan scena, in which the costuming is gorgeous, and the mask parade. This melange oi song, comedy, and dance is extremely well balanced. Into it is packed three hours of entertainment. “No, No, Nanette will be presented again every night next week and at the matinees on Wednesday and Saturday next. Owing to copyright restrictions, the presentation cannot be broadcast.