London Success Bought by The Firm

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 560, 12 January 1929, Page 20

London Success Bought by The Firm

“Virginia”—A Good Musical Comedy NEW ZEALANDER’S SUCCESS “Virginia,” a recent London musical comedy, whtch has been bought by J. C. Williamson for production here, is enjoying an enthusiastic run in England. Those who like musical comedy will like “Virginia,” says a London critic. Especially they will like the chorus work and the dances, and the general production, with William Mollison behind it all. In the forefront of the musical numbers is “Roll Away Clouds” (this is a song sung by Walter Richardson), a song with volume and intensity. But the setting meant more than the singing—lighting effects, and the rest of it. The “house” rose at it. As is usual with musical pieces, a number of people have used a pen in the concoction of book and lyrics and music. As many as six names figure in the list. And among them are those of Herbert Clayton and .Tack Waller, who are chiefly known to the public as managers. The humour is supplied not altogether lavishly, by John Kirby (the New Zealander), described as a multimillionaire whose name is Hock. He is described in turn as Still Hock and Sparkling Hock. This is a sample of the vintage of the fun. But Mr. Kirby is one of those who can obtain a laugh out of a gesture. His chin alone might be his fortune. His personality is such that when he is being comically determined that chin appears to stand out a yard. The name part is played by Emma Haig, a little girl with an American accent pitched in the highest register, something of an acrobat, always a personality. George Gee, Jinnni Ferguson, A. Bromley Devenport, and others who add to the fun of the fair, and Harold French and Marjorie Gordon supply the always necessary sentiment successfully.