The present theatrical season, which has seen virtually every major dramatist represented by a work in production or in preparation, witnessed the arrival of a fine new musical comedy at the Opera House last week. Recent musical comedy productions have, without exception, suffered by comparison with the unforgettable "Oklahoma!", and "Twilight Alley," the new Duke Ellington-John Latonche play, provides no variation from the general rule. 'In contrast to the many anemic and warstarved musicals which have cluttered up the glitterdust circuit in recent years, however, it is a lusty, healthy show, brilliantly staged, with an excellent score and fine, if uneven, east.

Supposedly 'a parallel in tempo to John Gay's 'Beggar's Opera'" (it will be entitled "Beggar's Holiday" during the New York run), the play deals with the insouciant exploits of one Macheath, a lady-killing crook. During the course of the show, Mae holes up at Miss Jenny's maison de joie, marries Polly Peachum--the daughter of a humorously crooked politician, and beguiles the keys to his cell door from the jailer's daughter--all in order to avoid the inevitable ending which awaits him in the arms of the electric chair.

Eye-pleasing are the splendid sets designed by Oliver Smith, the handsome interior of Miss Jenny's and the gaily colorful hobo-jungle especially adding to the beauty of the performance. The Duke Ellington music (book and lyrics are by John Latouche) is almost as rewarding with a score of pleasing melodies. Among the better tunes are "Take Love Easy," "When I Walk With You," "Tomorrow Mountain," "Tooth and Claw," and "Girls Want A Hero." Latouche's lyrics are particularly amusing in "Ore From A gold Mine" and "I Want To Be Bad." The east gives a performance of mixed quality. Alfred Drake (Oklahoma I's Curly) is in fine voice as Macheath, and Avon Long as Careless Love and Zero Mostel in the role of Hamilton Peachum come through with excellent characterizations. On the dancing side, Marjorie Belle, blonde and diminutive danseuse, is insciously graceful indeed, her gorgeous gyrations highlighting much of the second act. Libby Holman, featured female performer, disappoints with both her singing and acting as Miss Jenny. All in all, there is a mint of fine material and talent in "Twilight Alley"; with proper editing and direction, its Broadway stay may be a long one.