REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 October 1940, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

BROADWAY MELODY. The “Broadway Melody of 1940.” starring Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell, will be presented at the Regent Theatre tonight, and offers audiences what is acclaimed the greatest thrill of the year for combined terpsichorean and dramtic entertainment. “Broadway Melody of 1940” covers the field of dancing thoroughly, ensemble numbers, solos and duets have been evenly spaced throughout the fast-moving story plot, weaving it into a colourful whole. Novelty has been stressed in the clever staging of the nine dance numbers. The most elaborate is Cole Porter's “Begin the Beguine,” which has the advantage of a 60-foot mirror background which slowly turns to change the scene. “Begin the Beguine” consists of tdo definite parts. The routine, as conceived by Astaire and Miss Powell, begins with the slow, exotic rhythm in which it was written. It works from this into a swing-time version with a complete change of costume and the vocal antics of the Andrew Sisters. “Please Don’t Monkey with Broadway,” as danced by Astaire and George Murphy, combines the clever words of a new tune with an imaginative dance number in which the two fight a duel with ivory-topped canes. In the waltz department. Miss Powell and George Murphy hold sway to another new tune, “Between You and Me.” The modernistic set, in ivory arid gold, features a towei- and a steep ramp. Smaller ramps, on either side of the large one, prove effective props in earlier sequences of the number. As for specialties, Astaire is' responsible for an exciting routine in which he dances over and under stage props scattered about a rehearsal stage which forms the setting for the number. The musical selection, “I’ve Got My Eyes on You.” is cleverly illustrated. Twenty young men dancers provide the background for Eleanor Powell’s fast-tap-ping specialty, and a dance in a sidewalk cafe gives both Miss Powell and Astaire a chance to have some dancing fun. Featurettes in support include the latest Air Mail News, a gorgeous all-colour Fitzpatrick traveltalk “Suva” and' another of the superb Passing Parade series entitled “Medico.” Plans are at the Theatre and Messrs Steele and Bull’s shop.