“LUCKY STARS”

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21759, 16 April 1936, Page 5

“LUCKY STARS”

BRIGHT REVUE AT ST, JAMES* "Lucky Stars," the opening revue of the O'Brian-Hart Celebrity Vaudeville Company, which is being presented nightly at the St. James' Theatre this week, offers a variety of bright and breezy tunes, smart dance numbers, and entertaining novelties. Features of the production are the lavish staging and the lightning speed with which the sets are changed. Frank O'Brian has lost none of the light, deft comedy which made him such a favourite on his previous visit to Christchurch seven years ago, and in sketches, comic songs, and dances he is the pivot round which the whole ball Of fun revolves. Janice Hart is a performer who possesses a very attractive, personality, and her singing, modelled on the style of Josephine Baker, the famous negro comedienne and entertainer, is one of .the most popular features of the programme. The novelty acts are all of an evenly high standard, but perhaps the most spectacular is the wonderful display of acrobatic balancing given by the Rumanian Velesco trio, who add to the brilliance of their performance by playing violins and guitars during the most difficult evolutions. Vic. Sanderson shows that juggling is an art in which a great deal of humour can be mingled. Another baffling display is that of Dave James, the "man with the cigarettes," who produces lighted cigarettes from the air with the greatest of ease. Ivy Joell is a clever little acrobat and contortionist, whose work is graceful throughout In all the musical items, the dancing of the ballet is an attractive feature. The girls are a very evenlymatched team, and their work is very smart and enthusiastic. Dancing of a different type is presented by a very skilful duo. Desiree and Montague, who create a sensation with their act The Family Album." Stepping from a huge picture frame, garbed in the costumes of 1900, they perform an amazing series of dance evolutions at whirlwind speed. IL"cky Stars" will be presented until Saturday, when a complete change of programme will be offered, and there will be a special matinee, with novelties for children.