ST. JAMES THEATRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 418, 28 July 1928, Page 15

ST. JAMES THEATRE

“MERCENARY MARY”

A galaxy of haunting musical numbers, interspersed with dancing of the breeziest and brightest, makes Mercenary Mary” one of the most delightful musical comedies that one could wish to see. There is never a dull moment, and the whole production is on such a lavish scale that the Fuller management can be pardoned for keeping the best show until the last. For this is how “Mercenary Mary” appeals after one has had his fill of the good things already delivered by the company, “Archie” and “Sunny.” The delightful vocal numbers, supported by entrancing orchestration, will live for long in the memory, more appealing than others being “I’m a Little Bit Fonder of You” and “Honey. I’m in Love With You.”

To the principals, too much space could not be given. The vivacious Miss Elsie Prince, supported by tbe eccentricities of M.r. Jimmy Godden (here seen in a delightfully dismal role), and Mr. Charlton Morton: and. in a lesser light, Miss Nellie Dean, whose singing throughout is most charming, Miss Elsie Parkes and Mr. Leonard Rich, make the leads most effective and a certain foundation for carrying the life and joy-giving scenes and ensembles.

As the .not too “Mercenary Mary,” Miss Prince in the “compromising” scene gives a wonderfully realistic interpretation of the jazz girl who has looked on the wine when it was red, the scene in “Jerry Warner’s” suite at the hotel being of a riotous nature, a shriek from first to last. As a foil to the vivacity of “Mercenary Mary,” the dismal “Christopher Skinner” (Mr. Godden), only serves to heighten the comedy element, which, with the music and the fascinating dancing numbers, make an exceedingly rich evening’s entertainment. The season continues to-day and to-night.