A BRIGHT SHOW

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12620, 3 December 1926, Page 3

A BRIGHT SHOW

“THE GIRL BEHIND THE COUNTER.” Youth and enthusiasm are the two factors which will bring “The Girl' Behind the Counter” into popularity. Good singing, a big parade of girls and some snappy dancing will help, but most of all counts the vim with which the whole company attack thew parts. It is a whirl of action, physical and dramatic and Mr David Devitt, the producer, evidently is determined that no moment shall be empty of appeal. So “The Girl Behind the Counter” will draw. This newest show at the Grand Opera House is, in the production and acting by far the best amateur attempt at musical comedy within memory. Fortunate in the possession of two cultured singers' Mr Norman Byrne and Miss Alice Harris, who make the principal musical numbers something above the usual professional standard, some excellent solo dancers such as the Misses Florence Heyworth, Muriel Wilton. Joan Carter, the wee Gladys Smyth and some pulchritudinous personalities such as Miss Mollie Plimmer and Kathryn Murie, Who know all the little tricks of the stage that matter and can look most attractive in tho process (Miss l’linimer lias both comic genius and unusual charm, the show could scarcely fail to be outstanding. Its choruses are vigorous aud well-drill-ed in most intricate evolutions, its ballets aro enthusiastic and capable. The show’s one weakness is its lack of a buffoon, but with musical numbers and dancing numbers crowding on at the rate of ono a minute that is almost, negligible. For this lack - Mr Jack Cannon does liis best to atone in his quiet way; while Mr Joseph Hunt has the equipment to amuse if only he set his mind to it. “The Girl Behind tho Counter,” is a music show and therefore has a plot, but that irfntters not at all. What counts is that there is a whirl of pretty frocks (save one scene where the chorus have quite obviously chosen their own) much tuuetul music, some diverting dancing of the very best and a whole host of prettv faces. There were first-night faults last evening, mainly those of inaudibility, but the show has strength and these will disappear. Produced in aid of a worthy object, “TL*j Girl Behind tlie Counter” reflects credit on all concerned. Besides those already mentioned principal parts are tilled by Misses Mabel Robertson and Lillian Grey, Messrs Phillip Low, Harold Abbott, Leslie Anderson, Robert Chailton and Walter Norwood, all with success. The ballet and chorus consists ot Misses Beryl Hunter. Margaret He>worth, Alice Walker, Florence \\ alker. Gina Pedder. Joyce riawkins. Nancy Williams, Leah Beadnall, Roma Bitossi, Mead, Edwards. Clarke, Bush, Wood, Whiteford, Maddock. Young, Hanning, Kennedy, Press. Peters, Tuppner, Potter, Riviers. Hall, and Messrs Wilson, Evans, Wells, Turnbull, Sinclair, Patterson, Hunn, Wheeler, Haigh, Cook, Paget, and Alexander. Mr Len Barnes is a capable musical director. The performance will be repeated this evening and to-morrow evening, and thero will he a matinee tomorrow.