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D rama 2 Pcrtiii-sAT.,sEPT.21,i957 * ?·og angeles Cimeg Marie McDonald, Show Score at Moulin Rouge BY EDWIN SCHALLERT Marie McDonald shone forth as a lustrous beauty and sang her varied allotment of numbers with genuine style at her Moulin Rouge premiere. She should score a high-powered hit during her engagement at the theater- restaurant, in conjunction with the new show offered by Frank Sennes and staged by Donn Arden, called "Pa- riscope." More than usually this new presentation takes the form of a much - expanded night-club show rather than a characteristic footlight review. It has two spectacular segments, while specialty acts ?╟≤like The Treniers, who are j expert, if noisy, music makers, and Billy Wells and the Pour Fays receive more attention, as does Miss McDonald, than the customary acts of this character. Special, too: is "Opera a la Carte," with Martha Errolle featured. Ken Remo effectively assists. Lavishly Costumed I The initial revue number is "To Paris with Love," divided into four lavishly costumed scenes. It is the most typical ensemble entertainment given as part of the new show. "The Saga of Frankie and Johnny," performed by Ffolliott, Larry Maldonado and Diane Varga is a dramatic departure, based on the familiar theme. It essays to bring to life San Francisco at the turn of the, century, with the Bella Union on the Bar- ibary Coast, Pacific Street and jthe final setting when the (shooting affray is carried out by the heroine, who was "done wrong:* Climax is the suggested earthquake and fire in the northern city. To Miss McDonald, however, go the extra special laurels for her rendering of] "Tenement S y m p h o n y," "Around the World in Eight Minutes," "I Found Myself ai Guy" by Jimmy McHugh1 and other more or less offbeat selections. She also provided "I Could Have Danced All Night," "The Masculine Touch," "F a s c i n a t i o n," "What Is This Thing Called Love," "It's All Right With Me" and "Body and Soul." The act starring Miss McDonald is credited to Hal Borne, formerly with Tony Martin. Above all else she was a dazzling presence in her gold sheath-type gown, with skirt split up the sides. The number "Around the World in Eight Minutes," with Miss McDonald representing various nationalities, was an exceptional novelty.; The premiere was made festive and glittering because of the floral tributes, anniversary cake and jewels Miss McDonald received from her husband, Harry Karl. The song "I Found Myself a Man" was especially designed for him. This was thus all quite a triumph for the star who told that she had been in the chorus at the theater-restaurant when it was formerly operated, by Earl Carroll. Eddie O'Neal and his or-! chestra provided the music,' while Pony Sherrell and Phil Moody supplied the lyrics and music for the production. 'The Body' Sparkles in Sennes7 Opulent Revue By GEORGE H. JACKSON Gorgeously gowned in a gold toned dress designed to show off the cuddlesome curves of a figure still rating "The Body" tag, Marie McDonald sparkles like a newly shined diamond as the glittery star of Frank Sennes* opulent! new revue, "Pariscope." The maestro begins his fifth year at the Moulin Rouge supper club with this spectacular revue and his opening night was one of those memorable show business events. Generous A packed house, including many top flight celebrities, was on hand for the opening show and the patrons were generous with their applause for Miss McDonald and especially for the sensational costumes worn by the showgirls, dancers and singers in the production numbers. Sennes has gone to great| lengths to top his previous shows, both in the costuming field and in che special effects department. Despite the usual first night mishaps, the pace was peppy and fairly smooth and the revue has a high potential. Miss McDonald is comparatively new to this field but handles herself with a veteran's poise and confidence as she overcame minor mishaps to garner warm applause for her vocal efforts. Her stint starts smoothly with "I Could Have Danced All Night," a good selection for her style. She includes much special material in her routine, devoting one segment to a musical tour of the world and another to a cute calypso. As important as special material is to an act of this type, Miss McDonald's success with her opening number and other standards augurs well for her continued success as a night club performer. She has a good act, effectively1 staged, enticingly packaged, with the potential of the real big time. It was a big evening for Marie, as this is her first local night club appearance as a star and she returns to the theater where several years ago she was one of the chorines. ^Pariscope" opens with a fast-moving production number called "To Paris With Love" with the singers, show girls and dancers moving smartly through their paces. Sennes has put more emphasis on singers this year, has them performing from all over the stage, especially in the climactic numbers, a spectacular, colorful bit with a San Francisco of the 1900's as motif. Highlight A Frankie and Johnny routine highlights this portion with Fluff Charlton, Larry Maldonado and Diane Varga as the three characters. However it is the final sequence with the famous earthquake that steals the applause with smoke pouring forth as buildings fall and "fire" flares in the background. Very effective staging by Donn Arden and his crew. Two other featured acts in "Pariscope." The Treniers, an octet of jivestars, take over for a lively musical and clowning session and Billy Wells and the Four Fays demonstrate the acrobatic tricks which made them favorites in London's music halls. An "Opera a La Carte" bit also comes in for praise with Martha Errolle scoring so strongly as the diva that it points the way to spotting her more prominently in the show. NOW! TWICE NIGHTLY Frank Sennes' All-New 1958 Spectacular A Donn Arden Production Starring the Excitingly Beautiful arte I with Hal Borne Conducting THE TRENIERS MARINE ERROLLE, BILLY WELLS & THE FOUR FAYS Surpassing all Sennes' Extravaganzas in thrilling Musical Entertainment 2 Shows Nitely (except Mondays) $?·50 ^9 plus tax-lst Show with dinner 4oo plus tax- 2nd Show with dinnerette (Except Sat. and Sun.) NO COVER CHARGE Special Kiddies' Matinee Sundays Children under 12...$2.00