" WHY BE SERIOUS."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 286, 3 December 1938, Page 12

" WHY BE SERIOUS."

NEW FRANK NEIL REVUE. The directors of J. C. Williamson Theatres, Limited, announced this morning that they have completed arrangements with Mr. Frank Neil for a visit to New Zealand ot the famous American singing and dancing comedian, Will Mahoney, who will be featured in a spectacular stage revue, "Why Be Serious." I his has attracted record audiences in Sydney and Melbourne for many months past. Mr. Mahoney was recently commanded to appear at Buckingham Palace, and it is said that he made Their Majesties the King and Queen laugh uproariously. Facial expression and twinkling feet which, it is said, tap out nonsense as diverting as his original gag*, ai'e highlights of Mr. Mahoney's special .brand or coined l /. Colonial playgoer* have probably seen nothing like his skilful playing of a special xylophone by dancing on it with drum sticks 011 his feet. His versatile clowning finds entertaining expression also in several sketches and skits, and a mock curtain speech, burlesquing foreign celebrities, usually creates much laughter. Mr. Mahoney will be associated with a brilliant aggregation of 60 artists from all parts of the globe, including Miss Evie Hayes, a distinguished American radio, stage and screen artist, and Miss Violet Carlson, the diminutive comedienne, who made herself immensely popular with playgoers when she appeared here recently in "Balalaika'' and "The Desert Song." It is said that Miss Carlson is even better in revue productions than in musical comedies. Others are Mr. Whitey Robert*, a comedy dancing juggler from New York, Jimae, a talented American artist, who does some astounding sleight of hand tricks, Johnny Bryant, also from America, said to be the world's finest whistler, and Tex Morton, the renowned cowboy yodeller, whose Tecords are well known throughout New Zealand. Bob Geraghty, a unique New York liffht comedian and darner, and Mr. L/awrence Brooks, a young American singer, with a tenor voice of exceptional range and quality, are other members of the cast, which eiso includes Dorrie Ricketts. a vivacious soubrette. and Bruce Carroll, a noted raconteur. Features of "Why Be Serioua" are the picturesque stage settings and the gorgeous dresses, also the outstanding work of the famous Sydney ballet. The box plans will be opened on Monday, December 19.