IN PINK PYJAMAS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 399, 6 July 1928, Page 6

IN PINK PYJAMAS

“ARCHIE” COMES TO TOWN ENTHUSIASTIC FIRST NIGHT “Archie,” a musical comedy in two ; acts and four scenes: book and lyrics by George Arthurs and Worton David; music by Haydn Wood and Jack Waller. Presented last evening at St.James Theatre by Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fulle^;. CAST Jim Parkes .. Leonard Rich Rosie Green Bonnie Ford Lady Violet Nellie Deane ; Angela Elsie Parkes Toby Kerwyn Charlton Morton • Archie Cobb Jimmy Godden i Sir Michael Geoi'ge Willoughby j Billie Cobb Elsie Prince ! Alvena Betty Lambert \ Attendant Jack Smith The upper portion of a suit of pale pink pyjamas seriously embarrassed j Mr. Godden last evening. When the coat, mysteriously divorced from the trousers, was found in some- ! one else’s bedroom, it provided all the j ; necessary material for a first-class j ; scandal, and food for the women of the ■ I hotel where he was staying, j But such things happen on the-stage ! without wrecking reputations. ! Previously, one might add. Mr. Godj den had been Something of a downtrodden husband with a penchant for croquet and a wife who somehow got mislaid after dancing parties. At the instigation of an uncle, who wielded a stage bank account, a divorce from the fast wife was demanded. Hence the pale pink pyjamas. But why worry about the plot, though that which carries “Archie” on his cheery way is much more robust than the usual tuneful musical comedy of to-day. It is a merry little story with sufficient strength to carry the generous load of melody and humour with which “Archie” has been endowed by its authors. There is a freshness about it which is something more in its favour, sentiment mercilessly goes by the board and dull care takes a very back seat. “Archie” might have been the original entertainment designed to cheer the tiredest business man. It is a high-spirited musical comedy which never flags. The enthusiasm of a gala performance seemed to electrify the members of the company, and for

three hours they made merry to the accompaniment of batteries of appreciation. And there is no lack of dancers. The chorus taps and swings to lilting melodies, specialty dancers twirl and swirl as only specialty dancers can. the principals engage in eccentric and nimble measures until the whole piece Seems to move along to the melody of JJynig feet. With and without excuse the song numbers are merged into the story, mostly by the dialogue-with-cue device. For instance, bright young lad, apropos of nothing. “I’ve always wanted to

dance.” Round flock the girls of the party and “Dancing Jim” steps “high, wide and handsome,” with a background of energetic young things to lend him able support. Even a jazz version of a negro spiritual finds its way very effectively in to the production when Miss Prince tells the audience her “ideas of heaven.” And then there are the songs which everyone wants to sing, numbers of them, all light and all tuneful. There is no better recipe for musical comedy songs than the “live for a day” variety, and “Archie” has a plentiful supply of them. “C’est Vous,” “On a Side Street,” “Oh Me, Ah My,” and “Underneath Your Parasol,” are only a few of them. The company received a flattering reception on its return for a season which promises to be a memorable one. Time and again the performance was held up while the audience expressed its plea-. sure. Vivacious, fleet-footed Miss Prince is busy making more conquests since her last visit in “No! No! Nanette.” Her I comedy work is excellent. She has a lightness and a brightness which arc ! as refreshing as they are spontaneous, i There is just a hint of sentiment soinei times, but it swiftly breaks to a smile. | and she is the sparkling comedienne | again. ! Mr. Godden has a way -with him which is even more ppoular than on his last visit. The arch-enemy of gloom, he raises a laugh with even the tritest remark. Neither docs he descend to grotesque make-up ajid a set of fossilised tricks for effect. A personality which immediately gets over the footlights. a fine sense of humour allied with a good singing voice and original methods, place him well in the forefront of the comedians. The greatest success of the evening was “Cairo Moon,” in which Mr. Godden and Miss Prince burlesqued in dialect to* their heart’s content. Mr. Morton treats his comedy with a deft hand and gives Mr. Godden all the support he requires. He never exaggerates his character, and improves the shining hour with a pleasant singing voice. Miss Parkes' possesses a capable voice and dances with vigour. Mr. Rich combines high spirits with nimble dancing, and does it very well. Miss Deane handled her part with creditable skill. Miss Bell Porter and Mr. Royston McDonnell tripped

a fantastic measure with acrobatic skill and grace, Mr. Jack Smith and Misses Gladys Devereau and Ada Hosking added their quota of light stepping to the evening’s entertainment. The other members of the company gave able support to a good evening’s entertainment. Mr. Willoughby, who has played many excellent parts in his time, gave us one of the most amusing portraits in “Archie’s” gallery. “Archie” will go his cheerful way for the rest of this w’eek. The next production is “Sunny.”