"POPEYE" COMPANY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22484, 19 August 1938, Page 5

"POPEYE" COMPANY

New Zealand theatregoers are-being provided with very varied fareat the moment, for there are three overseas celebrities in the Dominion—the Tait artists, Ruth Draper and Lawrence Tibbett, and the Neil-Wiliiamsonstar, Billy Costello, the original voice of “Popeye.” The “Popeye” company is at present at the Opera House at Wellington, where the season ends on August 25. In the streets and on the stage, Popeye is-the idol of all. His remarkable voice, his ludicrous antics, his effective disguise, and his rapid-fire songs and patter create hilarity. The Popeye of the stage is a person of Undoubted talents, which he exploits to the highest degree for the entertainment of his audiences. The revue is by no means a oneman show, for Billy Costello has associates who are all top-notchers in their particular art—Sid Page, one of New York’s funniest comedians. Joey Porter, from Britain, whose drollery is remembered from a previous visit, Peggy Earle, an American comedienne, Ruth Rudie. another American importation who dances with eccentric abandon, Billy Rayes; the Elite Trio, perfect adagio dancers; Ritchie Bros, and Mavis, simultaneous dancers, the Kermbnde Tumblers: lovely girls, singers, tap-dancers, and a whole host, of entertainers.

Christchurch Season at End of Next Week

The Christchurch jawi jj August 27 to September 3. followed bar showings at Tunaru. t Oamaru, September 6L LAWRENCE TIBBETT Lawrence Tibbett, the American baritone, who began his Christchurch season at the Theatre Royal last evening, has no peer in popularity as the perfect baritone of operatic stage, concert platform, or the filirn He bs« a breezy personality, which, on his recent Australian tour won for bint affection. ' His voice is magnifiwwt splendklly masculine, and under excellent control with a rich upper register, and a lower register of resonance and truth. He has a remarkable of drama, character, and phrasing. Thousands who have heard bly voice over the air. or seen and heard him in his infrequent film appearances, will be aroused to the charm of Lawrence Tibbett In person. He is of the happy, confidential-friend type of artist, who is immediately in with, his listeners, and generous with encores. He has as accompanist and solo pianist Stewart Wille. whose work in association with Mr Tibbett is. perfectly balanced in its importance.