“IRENE”

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14603, 2 March 1921, Page 6

“IRENE”

AN ENJOYABLE PRODUCTION. “Irene,” the most successful musical comedy of recent times, ami with record runs credited to it in London, New York and Sydney, was produced at the Hamilton Theatre Royal, h#l night, before a very large audience, and more than confirmed the reputation that preceded it. Tuneful melodics, humorous dialogue, clever dances, and (a rarity in musical comedy) a distinct story, made “Irene” a very enjoyable production, especially as it was well mounted, beautifully and artistically frockcd, and interpreted by a strong cast of principals, and an attractive bevy of ballerinas. The story fold of the transplanting of three girls of the Bowery to the mansion of a millionaire, and the scenes of tenement and society life were effectively contrasted —homorously in most, cases, but now and again a dci ncr dramatic note was struck. 1! was all very interesting and entertaining. In the title role. M!-s Dorothy South was winsome and nltcaetive, acting naturally and sing l no' delightfully “Alice Blue Gown, I’o be Worthy,” and (with Mr Robert Jewett) “Irene” and “To Love A on.” Mr Jewett was a manly and breezy lover, and sang so well that one regretted he was not heard in more solo work. Misses Marion Earle and Pesrgy Maloney, as Irene’s shopgirl friends, created much merriment, 'and gave some clever grotesque dances. Mr Chester Clute. the male modiste, is a “slightly different” comedian, his methods being quiet and restrained, but very effective. Miss Georgie Harvey as Mrs O’Darc. Mr Thomas Pnuneeforte as Robert Harrison, and Mr Henry Gordon as J. P. Bowden, added to the hilarity of the evening, and the other roles were well filled. The chorus sans well, and with the principals were especially good in the Jazzy “Skyrocket.” 1 Altogether, “Irene” was thoroughly enjoyable, and pleased the audience immensely. The company left to-day for Auckland. where a fortnight’s season will be inaugurated to-night.