“SONS O’ GUNS.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 194, 17 August 1931, Page 3

“SONS O’ GUNS.”

The initial New Zealand production in Wellington of J. C. Williamson’s stupendous musical comedy, “ Sons o’ Guns,” which is to be staged here at the Theatre Royal for a season of seven nights, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday, beginning on Saturday night next, proved the most memorable event that has happened in the theatrical history of that city. Gus Bluett, Leo Franklin, Alfred Frith and Bertha Riccardo were all greeted with enthusiasm when they made their first appearance and the latest Williamson producthan either “Rose Marie” or “The Student Prince.” The performance was repeatedly interrupted by the insistent demands from the delighted audience for encores and by the prolonged laughter occasioned by the brilliant work of the comedians. It was a triumphant night for the legitimate stage and one that will probably always be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to obtain seats, as the theatre was sold out early on the morning of the day of the opening performance. “ Sons o’ Guns ” proved an outstanding success in London and New York, and in Sydney and Melbourne it broke all known records In those cities. It owes its success to its beautiful melodies, to its spectacular stage settings, to Its interesting love story and probably its biggest feature is its clever and original comedy. The box plans open at the Bristol Piano Company on Thursday.