MUSICAL AT REGENT, ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 September 1940, Page 4

MUSICAL AT REGENT, ELTHAM.

"BROADWAY SERENADE" SHOWING. Taking its place at the head of this season's musicals, "Broadway Serenade," starring Jeanette ]\lacDonald, opens today at the Regent Theatre, Eltham. Not in recent months has Miss MacDonald had the vocal or dramatic opportunities this production afforts her. Rich in stage numbers, tempered with a down-to-earth story of a girl who climbs from singing in cheap night clubs to musical comedy stardom, "Broadway Serenade" contains every element of entertainment. The ' songs sung by the star range in type from« hits oi the gay nincties through grand opera selections to the top tunes of to-day. "For Every Lonely Heart," "One Look at You," and "Time Changes Everything" are among the new numbers. In his role of Miss MacDonald's composer-pianist husband Lew Ayres demonstrates why he has been able to leap to near stardom in a few short months. His performance is real, sincere and tempered with a .sympathelic reserve which makes his alliance with the star a happy comhination. Comedy is divided between Frank Morgan as a Broadway producer, Virginia Gi-ey and Rita Johnson, chorus girls who vie for his attentions. An interesting third point to the romantic triangle is provided by Ian Hunter and A1 Shean. as an old Bavarian 'cellist who befriends Ayres, gives an excellent character portrayal.