ST. JAMES'

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21775, 6 May 1936, Page 7

ST. JAMES'

AN ABSORBING REVUE

One feels, having seen "Why Go to Paris?" the new revue of the HartO'Brian Company, which is having a season at the St. James' Theatre, that the show is aptly named. The proverbial appeal of Paris is its reputed gaiety. That same gaiety makes this revue delightful. Miss Janice Hart and Frank O'Brian are themselves the mainstay of the show. The rest of a large company do their work well. They are seen, however, in many different and brief scenes; the personality of Miss Hart and O'Brian links these together into a connected entertainment. Most attention seems to have been given to the ballets. In fact, if any special talent of the company were to be sorted out, it is likely that the dancers would be the chosen ones. The ensembles are always imaginative; they give a full spectacle without cumbrously overloading the stage. It must be granted, too, that the task of the ballet is considerably lightened by the dances; they are new and charming, and delicately colourful. The good things of the show seem inexhaustible. There are the singular acrobatic doings of the Velesco trio; the singing and geniality of Alec Kellaway; the enchanting magic of Dave James and his apparently cynical skeleton; and .the moments with an unusually convincing ventriloquist, Vic Sanderson. The orchestra, since it works unseen, is likely to be forgotten, but it is a very good orchestra. The fan dance of Mile. Desiree is something not often seen on New Zealand stages. It makes a scene which fits very well with the title of the revue.

The Christchurch season of the company will close on Saturday night, when the fifth change of programme, •'Good-bye and Good Luck," will be presented.

A cocktail party, to which everyone is invited, has been arranged by Frank O'Brian, and should be an effective means of concluding a most successful Christchurch season.