ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 February 1922, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“GOING UP.” A SPARKLING COMEDY. It was inevitable that the musical comedy, “Going Up”, which showed at the Empire Theatre last night,, should be well received by New Plymouth .theatre-goers, because of the long interval of tune that has elapsed since a similar class of entertainment was presented here. But this only accounts in a small measure for the whole-hearted reception bestowed upon the company, as the comedy itself is of such a breezy, vivacious nature and was presented in such an attractive manner that only success could attend the effort. The large audience was all the while simmering with merriment, caused by good, wholesome and bracing humor. The story centred fnainly about the person of Robert Street, the author of a book on aviation, entitled “Going Up”. The author, hoping to escape from the admiring attention of friends, whose constant enquiries concerning matters aerial has worried him almost to distraction, seeks rest in a country hotel, together with his friend, Hopkinson Brown. But alas! for his hopes of rest. All the hotel guests talk about nothing else than his book, and he is inveigled into a scheme of pitting his skill with aeroplanes against a French aviator, Jules Gaillard. Unfortunately it is taken for granted that Street is an aviator, seeing that he has written such a vivid book on aeroplanes. In reality his knowledge of aircraft is meagre, but, the chance of winning the attractive Grace Douglas being involved in the contest, Street takes a hurried lesson in the manipulation of an aeroplane from Sam Robinson, a mechanic. The winner of the contest is the one who can stay the longer in the air. Street’s immediate friends, who know the truth about his knowledge of aircraft, despair of his chance, thinking he is more likely to break his neck than break records. Nevertheless, the contest takes place, and after a breathless interval Street, evidently more by good luck

than good management, wins the contest, and the hand of Miss Douglas. This is but the broad outline of a story about which many side-issues and amplifications of the main plot have been so arranged that not for one moment does the interest in the piece flag. The part of Robert Street is admirably interpreted by Mr. D. B. O’Connor, whose semi-satirical whimsicalities are provocative of much mirth. His utterly woebegone appearance and resignation to his apparently certain fate when he had to “go up” aloft, serve as typical instances of a part well played throughout. The leading lady was Miss Ida Leggatt, who played the part of Grace Douglas with delightful charm and artistry. The role of Hopkinson Brown, Street’s friend, was in the capable hands of Mr. Joseph Seale, whilst the part of the French aviator, M'sieur Jules Gaillard, was expounded by Mr. Charles Villiers, who came through rather a difficult part with flying colors. The rough-and-ready mechanic, Sam Robinson, was a part entrusted to Mr. Harry Charters, who quickly found popular favor by means of his blunt humor. Other minor parts were sustained by Misses Althea Hyde (Mrs. Douglas), Jean Carlton (Madeline Manners); Ella Hudson (Miss Zouve) and Misses Mercia Elliot, Addie Williams, Given Gibbs, Maisie Notts, Irene Notts and May Lawrence (page girls). The musical portion was made a feature of the comedy, and was of a bright nature. The singers were assisted by a firstclass orchestra of five instruments, which added considerably to the evening’s enjoyment. The staging of “Going Up” was very attractively arranged, and was on a much more lavish scale than any seen in New Plymouth for some time. The comedy is ' wler the direction of Mr. D. B. O’Connor, by arrangement with Messrs. J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and is presented in three acts. To-night the comic operd success, “The Lilac Domino”, will be offered by Mr O’Connor and his talented company”, Miss Ida Leggatt appearing as “Georgine” and Mr. Will Everard as “Andre” and Mr. O’Connor as “Prosper”. A complete change of scenic effects and wardrobe will be made, and this brilliant music should be rendered in good style by the orchestra and chorus. To-morrow night “Katinka”, another J. C. Williamson well-known success, will be presented, Miss Ida Leggatt again appearing in the title role. To-morrow is the last night of the season. Box plans are available at Collier’s, where seats may be reserved without extra charge.