HIS MAJESTY’S

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 21, 16 April 1927, Page 14

HIS MAJESTY’S

“NO, NO, NANETTE”

This evening at 8 o’clock the J. C. Williamson Ltd., management, by arrangement with Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller, will stage the first two productions in Auckland of the deliciously tuneful, very picturesque and highly amusing musical comedy triumph “No, No, Nanette!” which will be interpreted by the New London Musical Comedy Company, which it is claimed is the most powerful combination of singers, dancers and comedians that has ever visited New Zealand. During the holidays the box plans will be on view at His Majesty’s Theatre confectionery shop, where tickets for the early door stalls and gallery may also be purchased. A special holiday matinee of “No, No, Nanette!” will be staged on Monday afternoon and another on Wednesday. The beautiful melodies, the numerous musical gems, including “Tea For Two,” “I want to be Happy” and “Take A Little One Step,” the gorgeous frocks, the genuinely humorous comedy, the quaint, original and clever dances, the brilliant ensembles, eccentric poses, snappy dialogue and catchy numbers, crystallised into a radiant entertainment make “No, No, Nanette!” a show of unforgettable charm. Miss Elsie Prince is certain to receive a warm welcome when she appears this evening in the name part, as she comes with the reputation of being the best, prettiest, da'.ntiest and cleverest musical comedy artist we have enjoyed for years. “Miss Prince,” wrote a Wellington critic, “is an unusually bright and brilliant young artiste, probably funny from her cradle. Like other members of the cast Miss Prince conveyed the idea that never in her life before had she enjoyed herself as she did last night. To do that is a great achievement indeed; and besides, she gave proof in plenty of being able to sing, dance, and act in addition to her natural gifts of good looks, a charming personality and a perfect little figure. Mr. Jimmy Godden, the the principal comedian, is said to be screamingly humorous* in the role of Jimmy Smith, the millionaire seller of bibles, and whimsical philanderer. In action, as in speech, he is said to be the personification of humour and his mimic of famous cinema stars is said to be one of the hits of the opera. Mr. Godden is the possessor of a good singing voice which is heard to advantage in the number “I Want to be Happy,” which he renders together with Miss Prince. As well as the clean clever .comedy of Mr. Godden there is a great deal of fun provided by Mr. Charlton Morton in the role of Billy Early, a lying lawyer; and Mr. Charlton is also a brilliant dancer. Miss Elsie Parkes, as Jimmy Smith’s wife, has a most congenial role and so has Miss Nellie Dean in the character of Lucille Early. Miss Gladys Hermes is said to highly amusing as Pauline, and Mr. Claude Holland sings and dances gracelully as Tom Trainor. Others in the cast are Miss Olive Grant, from the Adelphi Theatre, London, Miss Phyllis Du Barry, and Marjorie L’Strange. An outstanding feature of the production is the dancing of Miss Alma Mackie, and her specialty dance effect always creates a furore. Other solo dancers are Mr. Royston McDonnell, Miss Gladys Devereaux, and the Misses Allison and Kathleen Fallow. A full operatic orchestra and under the direction of Mr. Harry Jacobs.