“THE ARCADIANS.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20233, 17 February 1934, Page 15

“THE ARCADIANS.”

Sparkling Music and Bright Humour. SUCCESSFUL REVIVAL. Repeating the success of “ The Merry Widow” with quite a different type of light opera, the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., New Comic Opera Company last night presented Lionel Monckton’s “ The Arcadians ” at the Theatre Royal. Sparkling music, irresistible humour supplied by Don Nicol and Phil Smith, and excellent singing and acting throughout, helped to make it an entertaining show. Too little is heard of “ The Arcadians ” music, and perhaps for this reason its melodies strike a fresh note, characteristic of their composer. The story, of course, is fantastic, and, as it should be, so the play stands or falls on the quality of its cast, which, fortunately, is of the best. No wonder, then that “ The Arcadians ” was given a great reception last evening. Compared with other light operas, ‘'The Arcadians” possesses fewer musical numbers than is usual, but any criticism in this respect would be unfair. It is a clever combination of song and dialogue, blended so as never to become tedious. For instance, it could not be compared with “ The Merry Widow,” a more or less straight musical opera, but it does show the remarkable adaptability of the company. The musical score is tip-top, ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, from “ The Pipes of Pan ” to “ I’ve Cotter Motter,” while the dramatic side also encompasses extremes with the glum Doody study by Don Nicol, the verve and personality of Lois Green, the brilliant racecourse fashion parade, arid the bluff comedy of Phil Smith and Marie la Varre. could use his broad style of humour to ence with her lyric singing, tine stage presence and dramatic ability. Sombra was the obvious role for her, which she portrayed with a rare understanding. The lilting “ Pipes of Pan ” was possibly her best but her flexible soprano voice made all her songs outstanding. “ Arcady is Always Youog ” drew enthusiastic encores. Lois Green, the dainty young Australian soprano, blessed with a vivacious personality, was specially selected to play Eileen Cavanagh. She was one of the successes of the evening with her delightftil singing of ” Girl with a Brogue ” and “ Bring Me a Rose,” both introduced in romantic association with Jack Meadowy (Herbert Browne). The romantic duet, “ Charming Weather,” by this pair was well received. Phil Smith was evidently in his element as Mr Smith, metamorphosed later into the simple Arcadian Simplicitus. This was a part where he could use his briad style of humour to the best effect' and his modern quips never fell flat. The gem of the show, however, was Don Nicol’s wonderful effort as Peter Doody, the inexpressibly gloomy jockey. He was at his best in Act 111., monopolising the action and singing that classic dirge, “ I’ve Gotter Motter, Always Merry and Bright.” It is feared that the Peter Doody of, say, ten years ago would not follow some of Don Nicol’s remarks, for last night he took a lesson from Mae West and muttered to a tempting Arcadian maid, “ C’m up an’ see me sometime.” On another occasion he became so devastatingly coy that he reduced Romola Hansen to hysterical and spontaneous laughter, so that she was unable to say her lines for a moment or two. She left the stage doubled with mirth, and the audience enjoyed it, too. Incidentally, after three encores Don Nicol sang “ I’ve Gotter Motter ” in what he called French—an epic. “ The Acadians ” should not be missed. “ Wildflower.” On Monday and Tuesday evening the J. C. Williamson. Ltd., new musical company will present the very tuneful and picturesque musical comedy “ Wildflower,” in which Miss Marie Burke appeared so successfully several years ago. In the approaching production the role of Nina will be taken by Roraola Hansen, her singing and acting of which created a sensation in Auckland recently, and it attracted very large audiences there. The book and lyrics of “ Wildflower ” are by Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein, arud the music by Herbert Stothart and Vincent Youmans. The story deals with the forward nature of Nina, the wildflower (Romola Hansen), whose passionate love for the shy Guido (Herbert Browne) and hot temper provide much of the action. When she is forced under the terms of a bequest to keep her temper for six months In the luxury of a villa on the shores of Lake Como, there is plenty of room for movement, laughter and romance, and the music throughout the action of the opera is of the ear-haunt-ing kind which one cannot help memorising. Herbert Browne has on previous occasions delighted New Zealand audiences in the role of Guido, his splendid tenor voice being heard to the fullest advantage in the music allocated to this character. There is much genuine comedy in “ Wildflower,” and In the hands of Phil Smith as Gaston, Don Nicol as Gadrielle and Marie Le Varre as Lucrezia, it is presented at its best. Indeed, Marie Le Varre made the success of her career when she appeared in the original production of “ Wildflower ” with Marie Burke. Eric Bush. Charles Albert and Dora Lightfoot all have congenial parts to enact. A big feature of the third act is the thrilling aerobatic dance by Eric Bush and Mona Zeppel, and other features are the work of the chorus and ballet. On Wednesday afternoon and evening next and following three nights and on Saturday afternoon next the company will appear in the delightful musical comedy, •‘Florodora,” which has not been seen here for many years. On Monday. Febi uary 26. and two following nighfs and on Wednesday afternoon, February 28. ‘ A Country Girl ” will be produced. The plans for the season are now open at the Bristol.