Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Monday 31 May 1937, page 3


TUNEFUL COMEDY WITH

TOUCH OF SHAW

Devout Shavians may object to "The Chocolate Soldier" as an inept parody of their master, but its survival is rather a compliment to Shaw than a joke against him. li is no parody in the accepted sense of the word, for it is rather Sharv-and-milk than Shaiu-and-üincgar.

Where "Arms and the Man" was satire, ' Tile Chocolate Soldier" is farce, but there is enough of Shaw about the libretto to place it far above most musical comedy

stories

This is one reason for its long life The other is Oscar Strauss's music, which is probably the most tuneful score he has ever written If it were only for that insidious, sentimental waltz song, "My Here it would be proof against oblivion, but the score bubbles with melodies which are as fruit, as old Burgundy, beside the thin acidity of most contemporary com-

posers

There are no unforgettable characters in the workmanlike libretto concocted by Bernauer and Jacobson, but most of the principals of J C Williamson's Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company find niches which they fit passably well Miss Strella Wilson is most happily served as Nadina, the high-born Bulgarian maiden who develops such a craving for male society while her lover is away fighting the Serbians, that she shelters a fugitive enemy officer and finally marries him instead This is a fine singing part, and Miss Wilson has seldom done better

The pleasantly innocuous character of the story has transformed Bluntschli into Bumerll a droll, agreeable fellow from Switzerland, who has found his way by a strange mischance into the Serbian army Mr Gregory Stroud made him a

very martial figure and more than a rival in love for the strutting Major SpiridofT, neatly played by Mr. Leo Darnton.

There are some lively comic sketches by Miss Evelyn Hall and Mr. Clifford Cowley and by Miss Eileen Kelly. Mr. Richard Watson, in his few appearances, makes a glorious burlesque of the fear-some Captain MassakrofT, but Mr. Tommy Jay has a walk-on part which gives him no opportunities. The smooth work of the chorus is evidence that the show has been adequately rehearsed.

Performances will continue, with matinees, until the return of the Russian Ballet on June 19.