SPARKLING COMEDY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 239, 6 July 1944, Page 3

SPARKLING COMEDY

“The Maa Who Came To Dinner” Another comedy world success- jolted into a state of hilarious laughter' a largo nndieuce at the Grand Opera House last night when the AViilinnison Couiedy Company introduced George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s exciting comedy, "The Man Who Came to Dinner.” This comedy is said to be the expansion o( a large-sized joke, in which the eccentricities and egotistical weaknesses of the late Alexander Woolcott. one of New York's best-known broadcasters and columnists were humorously burlesqued, but. which, when produced on its homo ground, proved to be a. buttonburster. it. must be distinctly understood that "Tlie Man Who Came to Dinner” appeals more particularly to the sophisticated, and people who attempt to try to keep pace with tho world of letters, the stage, and tlie films, no sinecure, even in the recess known as wartime, for tho flashing pepped up dialogue is (or a space Hotted will: the names of people who matter along Broadway and Hollywood Boulevard. But the putter is always bright, tuc similes unique, the innuendos vulgar, too language brutally frank, and cheerfully Insulting to the one cud—laughter. In tlie play, Wqolcott becomes Sheridan Whiteside, a grey-bearded ego-muniiie. wno in accepting an invitation to dinner from Mr. and Mrs. Stanley, of nowhere Iti Ohio, slips on a piece of lee and sprains Ins ankle. From that moment "Sherry," _iu his wheeled ehair. becomes the pivot of the action that: whirls round him. While tho Stanleys are honoured iu having such a distinguished guest, they do mil, bargain on having their house commandeered, and themselves trodden out of all recognition by this bitter-tongued, truculent literary Hou Who establishes himself as the god in rhe car who brooks no argument. But <>u the eve of Christmas things happen round him. False to his principles, he dares, to interfere, with two promising love atlairs, which is where ITunipty Dumpty Ims a great fall, as nothing happens as be plans, but everything to Ills discomfiture. One love affair threatens to deprive him of his most, efficient, secretary (who lias fallen in love with Herr. Jefferson, a young newspaper man), to avoid which loss he employs Lorraine .Sheldon, a giddy little actress who affects ultra-short skirts, to divert Bert's inatyiinanlal intentions. Secretary Magei" Cutler, wise to the move, employs Beverley Carlton, actor, io impersonate a tith'd English tlaine. ot Lorraines (on the transatlantic telephone), mid so turn the actress's: thoughts to marble halls across the wave. But she discovers the ruse. a. minute after tlie light, lias broken upon Whiteside, so it is in a state of feverish excitement, that Wliiteside, from his chair, gives his Christmas broadcast., as the siirplleed choir sing “Silent Night as a tonal background. It may sound platitudinous. but there is not a dull moment In this comedy, the whole of which is acted in ti hearty spirit of theatrical exaggeration. . Once more Mr. Lloyd Lambic convinced a large audietie*' of ills sterling qiialit.i'-'« as an actor, ilis strong vibrant voice, cold and clear-cut. could be beard in tlie back of the theatre, dominating tones Dial were never devoid of inlb'ctionai propriety. Never once did tills actor lo<i- command ot the stage, ami he was never long out of sight, and tin- way in which be managed that invalid chair was throwing flown the g, '111111 let to Lionel Barrymore. Mies Neva Carr-Glvn sparkled vivaciously ns Lor mine Sheldon, carrying all before tier with that dashing air of debonair insouciance :is«um.'d to bo the perquisite nt every actress of position. One good little Im of well-studied character noting w.-t< (lie Bevorlv Carlton of John Tait, who perhaps would* lie even more amusing were bis clipped speech always Miss Betty Welcli gave « sincere amt intel ii'-ont performance .'is Mtiggio Ciitler. whose Jove affair is so sadly ruffled by Whilosido’s woll-intenlioneil interference. Tlie Mrs Stanley of Lilv Moore was quit" Amoriean. mid Frank Bradley caused considerable amusement as the irate Stanley. Ethel Gabriel, as Ilerrlet Stanley, was responsible for a precious bit of chtiraeler noting, mid Sum Stern doubled tin' parts of Prof. Metz mid Bnnio wilh comic unction. Credit as producer's is shared by Messrs. Lloyd I.mnhl" mid l.os Kim.-, "The Man who Came to Dinner" is so vitally amusing thnf it should •T‘.'o,\ a lengthy riiii.