Alice Faye and Gene Nelson's performances received mixed reviews. Watt said that Faye "doesn't add much to the show," and Gottfried asserted that "combined,and Nelson have the stage presence of a balcony seat". "Time" said that "and Nelson only succeed in underlining the show's decrepitude." Barnes, however, stated that though Faye "is not the most animated leading lady...her light baritone voice is pleasing, and she unquestionably dances with the guts of a Ruby Keeler. Gene Nelson...has enormous personal charm and stage professionalism." Kerr said that Faye "sounds winsome and welcome...she is a composed performer and a willing workhorse". The actors portraying the young college students were generally well received. In his review, Barnes praised Jana Robbins, Barbara Lail, Marti Rolph, Scott Stevenson, and Wayne Bryan for their performances as the principal student characters. In "Newsweek", Jack Kroll declared, "One's heart goes out to the young people in a show like this, like Barbara Lail and Marti Rolph, whose drive and energy really must carry show". Marti Rolph, in the role of Connie Lane, received particular praise from critics. Watt declared, "The only really good singing voice among the principals belongs to Marti Rolph". Gottfried wrote, "The only standout, really, is Marti Rolph--the ingenue--who has a gorgeous voice and manages to inject pert spirit into a spiritless show".