HIGHLY ACCLAIMED

Chronicle (Levin), 11 October 1949, Page 4

HIGHLY ACCLAIMED

'f«ols RhsIi in" Makes Big First Night Hit Many of those who booked steats for "Fools Rush In" had f ollowed' the Levin Little Theatre Society through its many readings and. productions of the past and wero firmly convinced they could reiy on an excefient show. O/hers who were recerving their first introduction to Levin's theatrieal talsnt arrived with open minds but came away expressing unqualifiea delig'ht with the performance. There is no doubt that the society's production of "Fools Rush In" scored a hit when it openea n Levin last night and fully justified the pre-pqblicity given i^. Although the- society has an eye to attraeting membership and support for its future aetivioies, it is also giving the public full value for its money. ThoSe who have not yet seen "Fools Rush In" should do so tonight. The piay, as written by Kenneth Horne, is in itself nothing to get really excited about. It is a typical modern comedy with no apparent plot and onfe of those plays which relies for its humorous situations, subtlety and wisecracks on the ability of the cast to put it across. This is not an enviable task for amateur talent, b.ut the local cast was wisely chosen and not only carried the play through but made a great i suecess of it, so much so that when a final review is made it is difficuit to individualise.

Theme Of Play. The story centres around a mother and daughter, the f ormer cfivorced from her husband and contemplating a second marriage, and the latter just preparing for her wedding. The daughter finds her ideas about marriage fcadly shaken when at the last minute she makes an altogether too thorough analysis of the marriage rites and meets her long-lost father, who "does not seem such a bad sort of chap after all." The more she contemplates on why the married people she knows did not stay married the more confused she becomes, culminating in her last-minute decision to postpone the ceremony while she devotes more study to the elementary side of wedded bliss. Ihe p.ay is rich in humour from the moment the curtain rises and it was unfortunate that, particularly in the first act, more was not made of this. With only one or two exceptions the members of the cast robbed the audience of many of their laughs. This is one of the unforgivable sins in theatrieal productions. The public likes to have its laughs and little chortles and it strikes a slightly discordant note to the laughs at the expense of some of the script. Time and again the actors continued their ' lines through a gale of laughter. On the other hand, however, it must be allowed that last night was a first night and there is no doubt that this small fault will be corrected tonight. The first act is also one which takes careful handling, as it is a lengthy one, and this might have accounted for the apparent haste. A commendable point was that a good atmosphere was created and ao no time did the cast stand about doing nothing, although at tiines there were fairly lengthy intervais when the script designated most of the action to only two members of it. Creditable Performances. Taking the' part of Pam, the daughler and bride, was a young English woman now resident in Levin, Elizabeth Hunt. In ner the society has an artist of considerable talent. She was undoubtedly the Pam Kenneth Horne had in mind when he wrote his play, and she carried the weight of a major part most creditably. Her movements were good and she lived the part. At times she was a little hurried in her speecli and was one of the principal offenders when it came to getting the most out of her laughs, but these are faults which are not uncommon on first iiights and she certainly more than made up for them in her general performance . Beth Blenkhom as Mrs. Coot, the "daily woman," was superb. Although not seen as often as the others, she had her moments ( and did them full justice, richly deserving the rounds of applause received. She made the most of her laughs. In one scene in which she was not called upon to speak she was still the central figure. Kennetli Horne describes her as elderly, disapproving and obstructive. She was just that. The remainder of the cast are so close in line for honours that it would be best to take them in the o-rder of their appearance. As Millicent, the bridesmaid, Marie Pescini seemed a "doubtful" on her initial appearance, an actress just a fraction more sophisticated being expected. I# was not long, however, before she settled down to employing her undoubtedly fine ^cting ability to very good purpose. She earned the applause received and her entrances and exits were well done. Her big scene was with "Paul," the exhusband, and in this she excelled. Nellie Willdnson- is- well kn-own to those who f oi low local productions and again she impressed with her undoubted talent. As Mrs. Mandrake, ("Nanny" to the family) a neat little woman, prim defeatist, gentle hearted and genteel, she was most capably cast. Once again no stranger to Levin audiejices was Kathleen Black, who portrayed Pam's mother. She took this part very creditably. She has a good stage personality and an easy manner, which makes her (Continued on Page 3)

(Continued from Page 4) at home on any stage. Gordon Sorenson.y another familiar personality o;n the Levin stage, was also excellent. He has taken rnany and varied roles and aiways fills them creditably. Although he misse'd his lines on two occasions his covering up was well done. He has ample scbpe to play on the humour of situations and does this with credit. He portrays "Charles," fiance to Pam's mother. John Kissell is an actor whom Levin could well see more of. He was made for the part of Paul, the ex-husband, but has shown in the past that he is one who can be very versatile. The audience liked him as Paul 'and showed their appreciation. Peter Nichol is a young man of considerable talent and his portrayal of Joe, the bridegroom, was very well done. He also failed on occasions to give the audience time to appreciate situatibns, particularly in his conversations with Pam. He teamed very well with Paul and Pam and made the most of some sparkling subtleties with Angela. The east was strong and convincing apd the audience enjoyed the play thoroughly. Throughout the guiding hand of producer Arnold Goodwin was apparent. Guest producer by arrangement with the New Zealand Drama Council, he turned out a finished article and much credit is due to his influence and knowledge. The settings were well done -and the lighting was excellent. Perhaps a littie more confusion in the first act would have helped towards convincing' the audience that the scene was a drawing room in a home from which a bride was about to depart. Although there was quite an array of 'wedairig presents on, the table, they wer6.. much too orderly in arrangement with not the" litfcer of paper and packing which the author tried to convey. The cushions on the sofa were just a littie too straight. These are srpall points, however. The general cffect showed that much work an'd thought had gone, behind the production of "Fools Rush In," and it is a play which' all should see; Last night saw a capacity house and for the final performance tonight an -equally large audience is expected.