past productions | news articles - The New Moon

"New Moon" Shines with conviction
Taste in musicals, as in everything else, changes from decade to decade, and ears attuned to the large -as - life musicals of the 50's must have found much that was dated in "The New Moon," which opened in the King's Theatre, Glasgow, last night, and was presented by the Glasgow Light Opera Club.

The story tells of an 18th Century aristocrat, disguised as a bond servant in New Orleans, who founds a new colony under enlightened guidance.

There is, of course, a love story. Much of the music as well as the book is dated, and one wonders if this company could not find something more worthwhile for their talents.

Having chosen "The New Moon," however, there was much in the production to commend. It was lively, well dressed, and, apart from one or two first night hesitancies, well drilled. While there were no outstanding voices, most of the principals sang and acted with conviction. John Tweedie was the musical director.

A. J. L.

Light Opera Club's "New Moon"
At the King's Theatre, Glasgow, the energies and considerable talents of the Glasgow Light Opera Club are this week being concentrated for the benefit of local charities in performances of "The New Moon."

Jean McLellan's production at last night's opening employed these energies and talents judiciously, gaining lively but controlled movement even in the most crowded scenes, introducing dancers whose charm brought ready forgiveness for their interruptions of the action, and making the most of the drama and humour of the plot.

POPULAR SONGS

The merit of Romberg's score lies in its tunefulness, and some of the songs such as "Lover come back to me," "One Kiss," and "Stouthearted Men" have retained their popularity over the years. These and others were put over with good effect by the principals - Thelma McIntyre (an attractive Marianne), Bill Campbell (an upstanding Robert Misson), and H. McLean McColl (Philippe). The fun was kept going in the quarrels and antics of Grace Leggatt (Julie), Isabel Robertson (Clotilde), and George Watt (Alexander), and honour is due to the chorus for their full toned and almost invariably precise singing.

John Tweedie's direction of orchestra and stage gave pace and steadiness to this entertaining show.

J. D.

Colourful "New Moon"
That magical romance of French revolutionaries in New Orleans, "The New Moon" is successfully revived at the King's Theatre.

Tackled with vigour and with a variety of accents, it is presented all week in aid of charities by the Glasgow Light Opera Club.

Sigmund Romberg's score includes old favourites like "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise" delightfully sung by Hugh McLean McColl), "Stout Hearted Men," "One Kiss," and the nostalgic "Lover, Come Back To Me."

The romantic leads, Marianne and Robert, were acceptably filled by Thelma McIntyre and Bill Campbell, with comedy supplied by George Watt aided by Grace Leggatt and Isabel Robertson.

There were many colourful scenes, ashore and afloat, and a first night with few rough passages reflected credit on producer Jean McLellan and Conductor John Tweedie.

L. G.