LYRICS OF THE THIRD ACT OF “THE ARCADIANS”

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 November 1949, Page 9

LYRICS OF THE THIRD ACT OF “THE ARCADIANS”

"The Arcadians," which will be presented for the last time tonight by the Wanganui Musical and Dramatic Society, has some lively lilting music in the third act, and appropriately worded lyrics. The act opens on an “Arcadian" restaurant scene in London. The story provides lor the “Arcadians," who had travelled to reform England and make them use the road of truth, not tell lies, and not be deceitful, to establish an “Arcadian” restaurant in the heart of London. On the one hand there is the "Arcadian’’ motif of truth and frankness, but on the other a commercial undertaking of the English. The scene opens to a pretty picture of waitresses in the number “Plant Your Posies" . . . “Plant your posies, rue and roses, flowers of every hue, pink azaleas, crimson dahlias, lilac, white and blue.” The male chorus then imparts a more virile touch with . . . “Here they are, the dear little girls, sweet Arcadian peaches and pearls, dainty maids all blushes and curls, to flirt with and tease and banter; here’s a show that knocks to fits Picadilly, -Carlton, or Ritz; Every chap who’s tried it admits, it romps away with a canter.” Then follows one of the most phrasing numbers in the score, “Oh, do Dance the Two-step," sung by "Chysaea” (Shirley Smith) and "Reggie” (Fred Phillips). This is an “Arcadian” girl and her views of London ways and her appeal to every man to dance the two-step . . . For a month I’ve braved the dangers in this land of smoke and strangers; I have been to theatres, races, and to lots of other plades; In ‘Arcady’ we gambol the flowery meadows thru, but in your London ballrooms I’ve learnt some dances new, and the best of those is the one that goes, two one, two one, two one, two one, two. . . Oh when I step and you step, the fascinating tip-toe two-step, I forget I’m living in a land of smoke, away from Arcady and all its folk, I dance with true step, and say to ev'ry man I see: 'Oh do step this new step, the two-step with me." "Bring Me a Rose," sung by Eileen Cavanagh” (Pamela Prebble) is another pleasing number. ... “When I wander my garden, each little flower I see . . . Sunshine makes them every one, shine, all nod their heads at me. There are pansies and pinks, there's a daisy that winks at a violet under the wall, each is fair in a way; you can choose which you may, but for me there’s a queen of them all . . . I’m so tired for violets, take them all away. Lilies are frail and a trifle pale, while the blossom I adore, fairest flower that grows. If my heart you would win and you want to begin, bring me a rose.” The bright chorus “Cheer for Simplicitas,” is sung with the assembly drawn up to receive the hero of the play “Jack Smith," alias “Simplicitas” (Ray Stanford). Then follows a chorus of ladies with “Simplicitas,” “All Down Picadilly.” This has a lively swing to it • • ■ • “You’ve heard of me of course," sings "Simplicitas." “I’m London's latest whim. I’ve made a hit, in fact, I m IT All down Picadilly, round by the park, you'll see ladies running after little Willie Tillie till it’s dark."

“Sombra” (Nita Oldham) comes back into the picture then to sing of “Her Heart Flying Homeward' to “Arcady." This is a waltz song . . . “Here mid the city’s clamour, wearily I turn away, yearning for the greenwoods glamour, where the lights and shadows play . . .How it all comes back to me: Sunshine in the flood, and the murmer of the bees; blossom and the bud, and the song of the breeze.” “Simplicitas" (Ray Stanford), “Jack’ (Brian Russ), “Reggie" (Fred Phillips), “Percy” (Graham Palmer) and “Bobbie” (Jimmy Mack) sing “Truth Is So Beautiful." Then comes "Peter Doody s (Lionel Gillman’s) number, “My Hotter,” in which there is great scope to appeal to the public . . . "I’ve always been, since quite a lad. cheery and gay when things were bad . . . that is a way I've always ’ad, I look on the bright side, I’ve gotter motter, always merry and bright. Look around and vou will find, every cloud is silver lined, the sun will shine, altho’ the sky is a grey one. I’ve often said to meself, I’ve said, cheer up cully you’ll soon be dead. A short life and a gay one." This, sung in mournful vein, has an appeal all its own. Then, as a lead in for the finale to the show “Eileen” (Pamela Prebble) and "Jack” (Brian Russ) sing the number “Half-past Two.” The finale, like most of its kind, brings in touches of each of the tunes and lyrics of the score. “The Arcadians" will be presented for the last time tonight.