THEATRE ROYAL.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18403, 9 June 1925, Page 10

THEATRE ROYAL.

"THE COUSIN FROM NOWHERE." CHARMING MUSICAL PLAY. I At the close of the performance of | "The Cousin From Nowhere" in the Theatre Royal last night, many of the audience, who had also seen "Wildflower," with which the "Williamson I Musical Comedy Company opened their season here, were of the opinion that of the two productions the verdict should go in favour of tho former. That is a matter of opinion, however, about which there will, of course, be differences, each play being excellent of its class. There arc many points of difference in the two productions, and foany points of similarity. In both, the settings are. colourful and the music appealing, and there is good work done by the principals and ballet. A marked feature of the latest piece is tho absence of a chorus, the piece losing nothing in consequence, and when this is said it is not intended to convey the impression that the personnel of the chorus which was heard last week is weak. "The Cousin Prom Nowhere" is characterised by snappy good comedy, and tho impression one takes away of it is favourable indeed. The action opens in a Dutch garden, wherein is seen Julia van Osteti, a pretty girl of 21 summers. Enters a stranger, whose appearance shows him to have travelled far. Julia, who is of a romantic disposition,. and who is the owner of the residence in which she lives, is conscious of pity at the plight of the man, in whom her interest is aroused, and she obligingly offers him shelter for the night. He is glad to accept and her joy is complete when he tells her that he is the sweetheart of her flapper -days. Her happiness, however, is short-lived, for after spending some time in his company, it is made obvious to her that he is an impostor. Expelled from the house, he shortly afterwards returns to see the real Eoderick in his place, but not altogether, for Julia makes it very evident to the newcomer that her heart is given to the stranger, who tupis out tj be the man her guardian desired her to marry. Freda, Julia's friend, simplifies matters by falling in love with Roderick and he, nothing loth, heartily reciprocates, so everything in the Dutch garden is lovely. The music, which is by Edward Kunneke. is one of the brightest. features of this delightful production. It never approaches the level of opera., but r.t the same time it is worth hearing, and one or two of the numbers are such as will he remembered for a long time to come. The solo, "Good Night," is one of the most tuneful compositions heard recently in a musical production, and made an. instantaneous hit. Several other numbers also caught tha popular i'ancy.« No modern musical comedy is staged without dancing. In this connexion it is pleasing to be ahle to record the fact that in "The Cousin From Nowhere" there are certain interpolated numbers that reach the high-water mark of perfection; Tho Cansino Brothers are as clever a pair of dancers as one could wish to see, and Miss Cathlene Stoneburn affords them_ valuable assistance, the gentlemen in-particular being marvels in gyration. Misses Myrtle Reeve and Daphne Selig, supported by the "Twelve Tulips," are also a source of strength to the production.' The cast is an evenly-balanced one, r.nd left nothing that might be desired. The part of Julia was in the capable hands of Miss Marie Burke, who gave a.splendid interpretation of a flapper bubbling over with romance and youthful exuberance. Her lave scenes with the stranger were carried out convincingly arid enhanced the reputation already made by her in ""Wild flower"

When Miss Burke played Julia in Wellington, she made use of a red wig and as she had been seen in "Wildflower," as a, dark-haired girl, a rumour went about that city that the natural colour of the actress's hair'was the lighter shade. Last night she appeared without a wig, so presumably the northern rumour will not be repeated here. Her singing was a de-: light to the ear and whether in solos, duets, or concerted work she was always a success.. As Adrian.Van Piffel, Mr Gus Bluett was in his element. His affectation of a feminine voice is a valuable asset to him and never fails to get a laugh. His eccentric dancing, itoo, is excellent. He is a really good comedian. Praise must also be given to that clever little lady, Miss Floie Allan, who was making her first appearance during the present season. As the loquacious Freda, who lived to "pump" the stranger, but who only succeeded in getting "pumped'' herself, she was a scream and well merited the warm reception she received. Mr Noel Allan was entrusted with the role of the stranger, a part which gave him the opportunity _to display his talents denied him . in the previous production. He came through with, flying colours. His singing was greatly admiied' by the audience. Undoubtedly he was the man for the part. ,Mr Charles Zoli did not to be quite certain of his lines at times, but he made no mistakes, and, indeed, gave a very satisfactory representation as Joseph Edam, being adequately supported by Miss •Marie Le Varre as his wife, ''Wimpy." Mr Herbert Walton was a success as ..the real Roderick, and minor characterisations were well taken by Messrs Stanley Hodge.3 and Harry Schofield.

The scenery and frocking are on the iisual scale of excellence associated with J. C. Williamson productions, and under Mr Cass Downing the orchestra does yeoman service.

Thfe season will close on Thursday night.