" THE BLUE MOON."

Otago Witness, Issue 2818, 18 March 1908, Page 85

" THE BLUE MOON."

An audience of very large dimensions greeted the advent of " The Blue Moon " at His Majesty's Iheatre on the 13th inst., and accorded -the opening production of Mr J. C. Williamson's Musical Comedy Company's season an excellent reception. Musical comedy has not yet apparently developed into something entitled to a different name. In its characteristics "The Blue Moon" has not been lacking m predecessors. Of its kind it is an exceedingly bright, tuneful, and amusing composition, its garb is of the most brilliant Oriental hue, its tempo is as accelerated as the most voracious theatrical gourmand could uesire, and the fare it provides is nothing if not varied. This might well *be so indeed, since the talent of quite a number of people has been devoted to its manufacture, for the music comes from Messrs Howard Talbot and Paul Reubens, with the assistance of Mr Percy Greenbank in additional lyrics, while Mr Howard Ellis has been responsible for the libretto. The ultimate result is admittedly happy. Always sufficiently taking to make an excellent impiession, the music occasionally reaches a higher level in choral and orchestral ensemble, or in a lync or two of special merit. The humour is undeniable, the dialogue appropriately light and not lacking in smartness, while the stage pictures, veritably gorgeous glimpses of the golden East, are all that the eye could desire. The depiction of the Ruby Palace at Khankar, witnessed in the second act, is particularly striking. The story which is at the basis of all this is romantic, sufficiently coherent, and rather pretty. Little Blue Moon, otherwise Chandra Nil, despite appearances, is really an English girl. Stolen from her parents in India at an early age by an army deserter, who hides his identity in the name of Moolraj and the garb and business of magician, juggler, and marriage-broker, she is betrothed by the efforts of her scheeming and mercenary adopted father to Prince Badahur. The harmony of so desirable an arrangement from fcffe point of view of Moolraj who ha-s no inconvenient colour prejudices, is upset by the arrival on the scene of Captain Jack Ormsby, who is quick to discover his affinity in the charming little singing girl Blue Moon. The gallant officer's devotion is returned, and so worthy a soul does the Prince prove to be that although his own affections are deeply involved, he resigns his claims to the hand of Chandra Nil and gives the lovers his blesing. This is scarcely satisfactory to Moolraj, but as among the various characters who have in the progress of events become associated with the fortunes of those mentioned, a certain Lady Brabasham is prominent, he restores to her a long-lost daughter in the form of the happy Chandra Nil, and so the principal plot is satisfactorily wound up. Other minor affairs of sentiment are of course introduced, draping the essential idea on conventional lines. That the " Blue Mcon " Company is one of very considerable strength was manifested from the proficiency with which, without exception, the parts of consequence were sustained last evening by the principals, while the standard of the work of chorus and orchestra was not Jess satisfactory. Special interest attached to the appearance of Miss Amy Murphy in the role of Chandra Nil, and she was accorded a most demonstrative welcome back to her natice city. Miss Murphy gave an entirely pleasing and successful presentment of the part, the demands of which are mainly of vocal order, as Chandra is anything but a voluble young person. The audience found obvious delight in renewing acquaintance with Miss Murphy's fresh soprano voice, and her singing was one of the excellencies of the production. Two solos, " Blue Moon " and " Coquette," were allotted her, the former a taking melody with effective chorus, and the latter presenting opportunities worthy of the singer's vocal proficiency, and giving it ample demonstration. Miss Murphy's acting was pleasing and natural. Mr Reginald Kenneth, who took the part of Captain Jack Ormsby, has a baritone voice oi fair, strength and nice aualiti. and a good

stage presence. He suited his part well and sang effectively, making a special success of the taking solo " Burmah Girl." Mr Victor Gouriet's Moolraj bulks largely in " The Blue Moon," and the character is easily the most striking in the cast. Mr Gouriet is a comedian of the first rank, and his methods are entirely - successful in provoking mirth. Moolraj, as Mr Gouriet presents him, is a creation of infinite drollery. Private Charlie Taylor (Mr Harold Parkes) must also bo singled out as a humorous character of peculiar merit, and is a Tommy Atkins of the Kipling order. Mr Parkes gave an exceedingly clever and natural impersonation of *he part, and therein was abetted to conspicuous advantage by Miss Daisie Wallace as Millicent Leroy, a maidservant. Miss Wallace speedily captured the approval oi the audience by her clever acting, which has a spice of agreeable originality sboct it. as well as by her chancing and singing. Her coon serenade, "Iola," was a most effective number, and she was twice recalled for her piquant rendering of a humorous trifle entitled, " She Didn't Know." The cast also included Miss Alma Barber, who, in an effective part sang and acted, charmingly; Miss Ceha Ghiloni, who made an imposing Lady Brabasham; Mr P. Bathurst, who was impressive as the Prince; Mr J. R. Hogue, in a light comedy part; and, Miss Jessica Deane. who was distinctly successful in her role as Oma, chief lady assistant to Moolraj. By his impersonation of Major Calabone, the rubicund Indiian officer of accepted type, Mr Myles Cliftcn contributed considerably to the humour of the production and made much of his opportunities. The trio, " The Major and the Minor," in which he was prominent, was a very effective item. Other numbers which deserve special mention were the duet, " Make a Fuss of Me,' contributed by Mr E. Nable and Miss Daisie Wallace, and especially the intensely amusing item, " Oh, be Careful of the Crocodile," sung and acted by Mr Nable with the effective assistance of chorus and a crocodile tail of girls. Of the purely choral contributions, " Hushed) and Still," with which the second act opens, proved a particularly fine number. The efficient orchestra is urder the direction of Mr Alfred Moulton.