"LADY, BE GOOD”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 87, 4 July 1927, Page 4

"LADY, BE GOOD”

LIGHT-FOOTED COMEDY DELIGHT TO EAR AND EYE “Lady, Be Good,” a musical comedy in two acts and three scenes. Book by Guy Bolton and Fred Thompson, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, music by George Gershwin. Produced at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday by J. C. Williamson, by arrangement with Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller. , Cast: Josephine Vsanderwater .. Nellie Dean. Daisy Parke Gladys Hermes. Bertie Baesett . . . . Charlton Morton. Judy Trevor Elsie 'Prince. Dick Trevor Leonard Rich. Jack Robinson Claude Holland. Watty Watkins Jimmy Godden. Shirley Vernon Elsie Parkes. Jeff White ». Jack Smith. Manuel Estrada .. .. George Jennings. Madame Parke Olive Grant. “Lady, Be Good” is the most lightthing which has yet danced its way into Auckland. Its neatest rival was “The O’Brien Girl.” Though the plot is as thin as a silken thread, it is a musical comedy which delights the eye and the ear. As yet the frocks and settings are not shopsoiled, the Gershwin music is light but melodious, and comedy has a free rein. s But it is the dancing which makes ‘Lady, Be Good.” There are steps for every principal, steps for the chorus and highly spectacular movements and contortions which pass for dancing by the specialty folk. One forgets the plot in a combined song and dance opening to Chinese lanterns and a dim blue background, and regains it again in a little crosstalk episode. The principals dance once more and seem to galvanise the whole company into a light-footed effort. More melody, more dancing, more humour, and so “Lady, Be Good” dances her way to an enthusiastic finale. Except for one or two numbers which have been dragged in by the heels, so to speak, “Lady, Be Good” is a far better entertainment than her predecessor, “No, No, Nanette.” Mr. Godden and Mr. Morton have written extra numbers, set to music by Mr. Redstone, but on the whole they are not particularly exciting. “Mexico,” which falls to the hero, is a trivial thing with nothing to commend it. The plot concerns Judy and Dick Trevor, brother and sister, so poor that they have taken up residence on the sidewalk. With the assistance of lawyer Watty Watkins, Judy passes herself off as the widow of a rich man who died in Mexico. However, the rich man did not die, but had returned to America and fallen in love with Judy, who was busy acting as his widow. Several other love affairs are woven into the plot, and everybody lives happily ever after—to dance, or so it seemed on Saturday evening,

when the audience left His Majesty’s Theatre with the melody of “Lady, Be Good” haunting them. The honours of the evening went to Mr. Godden. His humour is refreshing and decisive. He does not force a point, his methods are not grotesque and his voice has a jovial, fruity note which spells success. A light foot and a singing voice one does not usually associate with comedians are two oi his biggest assets. Miss Prince has another role which enables her to sing andtb dance her way to popularityShe has a good sense of comedy and a voice which can be heard in every’ corner of the theatre. Usually the voice of the musical comedy leading lady is reserved for the stalls and the first few rows of the circle. Her performance on Saturday evening proved that Miss Prince’s powers as a mimic have not yet been fully exploited. I n Mr. Rich she has an able partner, particularly for the dancing numbers- “ Swiss Miss,” one of the biggest successes of the evening, saw them at their best. Until recently Mr. R* ch was appearing with Fuller revue companies, but he is well fitted to take his place in musical comedy. He dance* with grace and ease, and, except for a slight nasal defect, sings agreeably* Mr. Morton was thoroughly at homo m a “silly ass” part. He and Mr. Godden work well together, particularly * n their own number, “Stuck.” Miss wears her clothes as they should be worn. Miss Parkes is too self-con* scious to be thoroughly at ease. Mn Holland lifts a light voice in song when the occasion demands. Mi* 3 Hermes had little to do as a come’ dienne. Miss Grant Displayed a dun®' esque figure, and Miss Alma Mtc»« and Mr. Roy McDonnell executed some remarkable specialty dances. “Lady, Be Good” will dance its tune" ful way for the rest of this week.