Auckland Papers Praise Stage Show

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27094, 31 May 1949, Page 8

Auckland Papers Praise Stage Show

“AUCKLAND STAR,” MARCftf 31, 1949, SAID—- “ HELLZAPOPPIN ” IS ATTRACTIVE FORM OF LUNACY

'.Any resemblance between' his Majesty’s Theatre and a mad-house last night was purely intentional —efforts to take the show seriously were completely misguided. For nearly three hours of non-stop hilarity a bewildered audience was entertained by “ Hellzapoppin,” a tornado which struck Auckland at 8 p.m. continued for three hours and is likely to rage for weeks. “ Hellzapoppin ” bears the stamp of irrationality which has made Spike Jones famous and gave “ The Skin of Our Teeth” its appeal. It is a surrealistic thesis on applied lunacy. “ Hellzapoppin ” has everything—but can’t keep it still. Any doubts that the audience—and it was a capacity one—would not take kindly to the show were quickly dispelled. It was difficult to remain cool and superior when before the show started, a gang of “Keystone Cops” went berserk in the auditorium, firing pistols furiously and generally creating an uproar in a bumbling, slapstick manner.

The success of such a show must inevitably hinge on audience reaction, and from the start that success was assured. Balloons and enormous spiders descended from the ceiling, and some fortunate young men danced with the chorus girls. Skilful direction and meticulous timing were two important features that prevented the “ outrage ” from becoming tedious. At the same time, the general quality of the various acts was high. They followed each other with breathtaking speed in the best traditions of revue. A 1 Thomas and Alec Kellaway compered in the show in the way that .made Olsen and Johnson millionaires. The most accomplished straight comedy work seen here for a long time was done by Garth Mitchell—an artist who has given the New Look to the old music-hall comedian’s routine. There were other performers who kept the show moving at a hectic pace —Yvonne and Yvette, acrobatic dancers, Tom Toby, a gifted baritone, Billie Ponds, an engaging soubrette, Rebla, a juggler whose apparent imperfections were covered by his attitude of extreme boredom. Reg. Thorp, an inebriated trombonist, and many others. A word of praise is due to the orchestra, directed by Ken MacPherson. Working from photosatic copies of scores used in the original New York production, the musicians achieved that tone of boisterous blatancy which the show required.

Note: This attraction opens at His Majesty’s Theatre next Saturday for 10 nights only—Bookings at D.I.C. now. PBA

The St. Andrew Society of Otago held a social on Saturday night, when a large crowd of members and friends was present. Items were given by Misses E. Matheson,; Taylor, Smith, Milne and Anderson.