“ HIT THE DECK ” WORTHY FOLLOWER OF “THE GIRL FRIEND.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18643, 21 December 1928, Page 7

“ HIT THE DECK ” WORTHY FOLLOWER OF “THE GIRL FRIEND.”

MAY BEATTY SCORES WITH “ HALLELUJAH.” “Hit the Deck.” which opened at the Theatre Royal last night vice “The Girl Friend,” must be voted a success. There was a good audience, attracted no doubt by the excellent showing the J. C. Williamson company made in the show, and their attendance was justified by the show. The music of this show is of a better standard all round than that of the previous musical comedy, its staging is better, indeed in parts it is outstanding, but the dockside Cockney wit, while an entertainment in itself, does not come up to the sparkling nonsense which characterised “The Girl Friend.” In “Hit the Deck,” the strength of the production is not really apparent until the second act, where the action consolidates, the wit brightens, and the novelty numbers introduced are equal to anything that has been round. The “Hallelujah” and the Chinese Quartette will stand Comparison with anything in their line. The plot is, for a musical comedv, strong, and there is a love interest which most of the audience found fascinating. The curtain goes up to disclose Looloo Martin’s coffee shop, and after a little introductory music and comedy Looloo (Annie Croft) gives the story a start by telling Magnolia, her coloured companion (May Beatty) how she met a sailor who had captured her heart. The sailor is Bill Smith (Reginald Sharland) and with his advent coincide those of Mat and Bunny Smith (Leo Franklyn and Leslie Donaghev). The Smiths are again represented with the arrival of Battling George Smith (Gus Bluett) and it fell to the bearers of an old and honourable name to make the love and the humour of the show. Bill is going away with his ship, and Looloo, to be able to follow her heart’s desire and get him the cargo ship he wants when his time is served, sells a valuable gem. She cannot find him when she follows, till she induces the captain of H.M.S. Inscrutable to let her give a dance on his quarter deck to which all the Smiths are to be invited. This brings to the stage Gus Bluett, Leo Franklyn. and Leslie Donaghejr, and the fun for a while is fast and furious. Then Bill Smith arrives, and there is a touching reunion, till Bill finds that Looloo is now a rich woman, and then, pride intervening he repudiates her and rushes off. Before the story comes to the proverbial happy ending, the action passes through a Chinese seaport town and the inside of a Mandarin's house, and it is in those locations that the show gives of its best. At times the arrangement of ballets and ensembles, and the brilliance of scenery and costuming seems almost inspired, and the audience were very appreciative indeed. The final scene is well worked out, and takes place in the same coffee shop as before, with Looloo in her same role as a poor girl. Annie Croft again impressed with the

sweetness of her personality, the cleverness of her acting, and the tuneful qualities of her voice. She had a part which suited her better than her part in the previous show, and she took every advantage of it. Her numbers included “Join the Navy,” and a duet with Reginald Sharland, “Sometimes I’m Happy,” was, with the exception of “Hallelujah,” which is after all a totally different type, the best musical number of the production. Reginald Sharland, as the hero. Bill Smith, was distinctly good, though his voice is a negligible quantity in singing. He had a lot of work to do, and handled some of the scenes perfectly. Gus Bluett and Leo Franklyn had equal parts in the fun-making. As representatives of the navy the Smiths had a fair amount of opportunity, and at times they reached the great standard that they set in “The Girl Friend.” Both are really great comedians, each of a distinct type, and together they blend perfectly. The work of Leslie Donaghev, as the diminutive Bunny Smith, was a factor in the humour as well. Honours for the evening go to May Beatty for her singing of “Hallelujah,” among other things. It is a splendid musical comedy number, and it would have been a great pity if it had not been done justice. But there was no pity about it last night. In front of the entire chorus, Miss Beatty put a snap into the song which delighted everyone, and found rapturous favour. The interlude song, “Lucky Bird,” was another great success for her. Her work right through as Magnolia was excellent. Billie Lockwood made the most of a rather insignificant part, and others to do well were Miss Mary Rigby, Miss Ivy Parker, Miss Eileen Starr, Mr Frank Thorne, Mr Frank Leighton, Mr Tack Dunne, Mr James Patterson, and Mr James Hughes. Dance successes were scored by Miss Bunny Beatty, and Mr George liar- : greaves and Miss Joy Williams. The Chinese quartette in the second act provided a novelty which the audience welcomed vociferously. “Hit the Deck” will be played again this evening.