“WHOOPEE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 852, 21 December 1929, Page 20

“WHOOPEE”

BIG SHOW FOR HIS MAJESTY’S Great interest is being centred in the Initial production here of the stupendous musical comedy triumph, “Whoopee,” which is to be staged bjr the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., management at His Majesty’s Theatre for a brief season, beginning on Thursday afternoon next. Without any music and effects, the story of “Whoopee” would, it is said, make a first-class evening’s entertainment, so interesting and holding is the story. It is founded on E. J. Rath’s “The Nervous Wreck.” The heroine is Sally Morgan, and we meet Dad Morgan, Bob Wells, the Sheriff, Jerome Underwood, the pompous Bar M ranch owner, and his won and daughter, and above all we have the Wreck himselt, Henry Williams.

Bui: deftly interwoven with this opulent material for high speed gaiety is a romantic story of thwarted love and the hopeless love passion of Wan-En-Is of the Mojave tribe of Red Indians, who, against the sage counsel of his chief. Black Eagle, persists in his forlorn pursuit of Sally Morgan. In the end the device of the changeling child shows Wan-En-Is to be a white man and a happy end is attained. Into the play have been woven some really clever comedy scenes, in which Mr. Don Nicol, said to be an exceptionally clever artist, creates much amusement. The exquisite melodies, the brilliant ensembles, the pretty ballets and the brilliant staging combine to make “Whoopee" one of the best productions yet staged under the Williamson management.

Tho cast of “Whoopee” is particularly long, and it includes a number of the best and most popular musical comedy artists who have ever, appeared in Sydney and Melbourne. Miss Lilian Crisp and Mr. William Perryman are seen and heard to great advantage in “Whoopee,” and it is said that Mr. Don Nicol is one of the most original and funniest comedians who has yet visited the Dominions.

Two outstanding artists who are to make their first appearance in “Whoopee” are Miss Patricia and Mr. Terry Kendall (brother and sister). In addition to playing leading parts in “Whoopee,” the Kendalls will present their clever and original dancing specialties which made them famous in London, and in which they created a furore of enthusiasm in Sydney and Melbourne. The company will arrive here on Monday and a full scenic and lighting rehearsal will take place on Tuesday evening next.