“LADY, BE GOOD”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 923, 17 March 1930, Page 14

“LADY, BE GOOD”

FREDDIE FORBES AT HIS BEST A BRIGHT SHOW •‘Lady, Be Good,” a musical comedy in two acts and three scenes. Written by Guy Bolton and Fred Thompson. Music by George Gershwin. Lyrics by Ira Gershwin. Presented at His Majesty’s Theatre by Sir Benjamin and Mr. John Fuller. CAST Dick Trevor Fred Webber Judy Trevor .. •• Catherine Stewart Jack Robinson Charles Perrin Josephine Vanderwater .. Aster Faire Daisy Parke Vera St. John Bertie Bassett Ernest Arnley J. Waterson Watkins . Freddie Forbes Shirley Vernon Bettie Lambert Jeff White . . .. .. .. Victor Arnley Manuel Estrada .. .. Jack Phillips Rufus Parke Clift O’Keefe This production, which opened on Saturday evening, is a revival in modified form of the original “Lady., Be Good.” The essence of brightness has been liberally diffused throughout the whole performance and the dialogue, the work of the chorus, and the many solo turns fairly radiate with that germ of cheerfulness. As J. Waterson Watkins, solicitor, Freddie Forbes is excellent. He displays every characteristic of the polished man of law who is really something of a “lad,” and who loves a good joke. His finesse in musical comedy work is delightful, and he plays the part of the polished legal adviser to a nicety. His manner throughout is debonair, and he has a flaire for foolery and repartee that sets the house rocking with gusts of laughter.

Catherine Stewart as Judy Trevor was most attractive. She has an engaging way, which captivates the hearts of her listeners, and the wholesome and unaffected manner in which she portrays the evicted tenant in embarrassing circumstances and impersonates the Mexican senorita, is a delight. She showed some dash in the latter role, too. A difficult part was ably handled by Ernest Arnley. As Bertie Bassett, the amiable and harmless nincompoop, he excelled. His simulation of the brainless and pampered child of luxury was well executed. Other members of the company who were outstanding were Fred Webber and Aster Faire. It was a pleasure to have one’s entertainment embellished by music from a “flesh and blood” orchestra, instead of the “canned” variety. Frank Crowther’s orchestra was an asset to the performance. “Lady, Be Good” will be repeated tonight.