'THE GIRL IN THE TAXI.'

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2595, 18 October 1915, Page 3

'THE GIRL IN THE TAXI.'

PIQUANT FRENCH MUSICAL COMEDY "The Girl iii the Taxi/' a musical P /■« us^c by Jwn. Gilbert; libretto by George Okonkowski; English version by Frederick Feim and Arthur Wimperis. Cast Baron Dauvray W. H. Rawlins Uubert Hugh Huntley lroiessor Charcot Alfred Fritli . , c . Paul l J lunket Field Fisher 'V 1 Chris Wren », lx . Leslie Barclay Monsieur Pomarel C. H. Workman Jacqueline Cecil Bradley Jouroness Delphine Dauvray...Florenco Vie Manette Helen Hobson Kose Charcot Given Hughes buzanne Dorothy Brunton

The Girl in the Tasi," the giddy musical play which introduced Williamsons new Musical Comedy Company at cue brand Opera House on Saturday, is tlie combined effort of a Frenchman and a Itussian, which alliance has resulted in a musical play oi tho lightest order as regards action and colour, abundantly humorous in its complications, and brightly written. The airy fabric of "The »inii "r \ ■ r ? si " 58 built U P 0B tho usual French basis. The whole of its tun, and it is unmistakably funny, arises out ot complications caused by the amorous escapades of nearly everyone, married and single, in tho cast—conjugal infidelity and premarital peccadillos. Old aaron Dauvray, to begin with, whilst being held up as a paragon of virtue, has , lla3S { - a double He poses as a man of science, and is a firm advocate hL r\° I,sc ®- fetl »?r-like-son theory of heredity. Jvoiv the old man has a eon and daughter-Hubert, just dying to kick •H T) l6 traces >. an d Jacqueline, in lore with liene, a military officer, whoso Don Juanesque escapades are as blue as his coat. Dauvray knows Reno to be a rake, ?? fi. 7',. eil :d a 0011150 at the thought of the alliance, but Eeno persuades tho Baron to promise that should he (the BaTon) be found out in a peccaoiuo, then Jacqueline's hand in marriage be given him. Though the Baron fcara the bargain, he has to make it, because he is, on the surface, a veritable' archangel of virtue. Bene, being occupied with Jacqueline, finds it impossible to resume an affair with tho pretty Suzanne (the wife of M. Pomarel, a scent manufacturer), who has been awarded the prize tor virtue in the district, and has come to thank the Baron for it. He introduces young Hubert, and persuades him to take her out that evening. The Baron, Jacqueline, and Hubert say their goodnights, and the lights are extinguished, then m tile gloom they each reappear. 6ingly, and escape into the night. ' The next act finds them all giddying at the Jeunesse Dore" restaurant. The Baron lias got into a taxi on the one side, and a strange lady on the other at the same time. As both arc bound to the 6amo scene of hilarity, they pair off; Hubert meets Suzanne (the virtue prize-winner), and Eene appears there with Jacqueline, to add to the riot Suzanne's husband (who has been performing his annual military, drill), appears at the 6ame restaurant in a condition of amiable intoxication, and M. Charcot, a friend of everybody's, also pervades the 6Cene. JSaturally the mix-up becomes screamingly funny. In a series of shocks tho tathor discovers the son and daughter, and vice versa; Suzanne loses her good name, and.M. Charoot, who is laughin» at everyone, uscartains that it is his own wile who met tho Baron in tho taxi. Presiding over this scene of reckless gaiety is Alexis, the head waiter, a jaded, eccentric, who sees through all the old lies and decits of his oustomers. It is his acceptance of the position of butler at the Baroness Dauvra) J s, and his appearance in attendance at the breakfast table of the Baron on the morning after "the night before" which makes that 6ceno in tho hist act one of tho funniest in the play. In personnel the company is perhaps as strong as any since the days of the London Gaiety Company. Instead of the isolated comedian of common usage there aro six of them, all well up in their business, and in instances brilliant laughtermakers. Three are outstandingly able mummers. Mr. Field Fisher makes the coinpletest character of the smileless and philosophic Alexis; Mr. C; H. Workman is a clever dapper comedian, with a clean crisp style, particularly smart iwth his hands and feet, and never at a loss for variety in facial expression. He was delightfully fumlv in his drunken scene _ with the diminutive waiter, and admirable in "The Happy Marriage" duet. Another'" ingratiating comedian, unctious and mellow in style,but always effective (save in song), is Mr. \V. H. Rawlins, who was vastly amusing as the Baron Dauvray. Mr. l s aul Plunket was a tall, comely Eene, who acts and sings well within limits. His duet with Miss Bradley was nicely sung. Mr. Albert Frith was in the picture as M. Charcot; Air. Hugh Huntley was particularly suited to the callow youth of Hubert;. and Mr. Chris Wren as Emile, tho stunted waiter of acrobatic proclivities, was one-of the hits of the piece. Among the ladies Miss Dorothy Brunton made Suzanne a. most alluring companion, acting with her consummate grace and witching charm. She has the nicest and most piquante numbers in the comedy, and sings them all very sweetly. Her principal numbers were "Not Too Fast and Not Too Slow" (with Mr. Hunter), the toast song, the waltz, and "Suzanee," which elicited three recalls. Without any shadow of doubt Miss Brunton's elevation to stardom is well deserved. Another very charming performer is Miss Cecil Bradley, who is a gifted ingenue actress of denrure manner, and who sings adorably. , Miss Gwen Hughes made a pretty Madam Charcot, and Miss Florence Vie could scarcely be improved upon as the Baroness. The music is bright and catchy, but without any distinction, and tho orchestra, controlled by Mr. Harry Burton,_ was quite equal to it? inconsequent tinkle. An adequate chorus in a variety of ultra-modern gowns adds to the dressiness of the show, and Miss Daisy and Mr. Sidney Yates dance in polished style a ballroom tango. The comedy is gorgeously mounted and costumed. The restaurant scene is a particularly brilliant set, with a solidly-built central stairway and balconies, charmingly painted, and radiantly illuminated with electroliers. The production reflects cvedit on the producer, Mt. H. B. Butcher, and the several scenic artists concerned. "Tile Girl in the Taxi" will be played for four more nights, when it will (on Friday evening next) give place to that successful American frivolity, "High Jinks."