“BLACKBIRDS” SENSATIONAL

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27851, 27 December 1955, Page 6

“BLACKBIRDS” SENSATIONAL

TALENT, SPEED, RHYTHM

■ Auckland, Monday.—The famous “Harlem Blackbirds/’ the first allcoloured musical revue ever seen in New Zealand, made a terrific impact on an enthusiastic first-night audience at His Majesty’s last night. A virile and dazzling company of 32 they entertained with speed, dynamic rhythm, and uninhibited freshness. New Zealand has never seen anything like it. Famed Maurice Rocco, personification of the stylish black and white showman, gave an amazing display of piano acrobatics. His rhythmic attack on the ivories standing up and dancing about had to be seen to be believed.

Dusky singer. Mabel Scott, with a full-blooded Ethel Merman-like personality. scored a big hit with her rhythms’ blues numbers, ably supported by negro musical director, Eugene Kee’s Hot Shot orchestra, which provided brand new modern negro music born in Harlem. Much publicised Sunshine Bodv provoked wild applause as she wriggled, and writhed through a torrid balloon dance, while Calypso dancer. Jacqueline Greenwood, gave a thrilling solo performance against a background of haunting Trinidad music.

Leonard and Leonard, probably the greatest coloured duo hoofers in the world, gave an astonishing display of synchronised acrobatic dancing, while solo dancer Peter Ray was remarkably light as a tap dancing waiter balancing a tray of sliding crockery on his head. .

T* 1 . 6 re d jacketed Four Moroccos, a brilliant quartette who sing bouncy rhythm, blues, and spiritual numbers, and who brought the hit number •Unchained Melody” to Australia, sang this popular piece with heart warming tonal brilliance. Producer Larry Steele, besides achieving breath-taking effects against brilliant backdrops, and settings, presented his famous “Beige Beauts” in a x wide range of original, and dancing routines. The comedy side with veteran “Pigment” Markham, and Harlem’s whimsical Freddie and Flo. was of a high standard. The three, with Larry Steele, in a court scene were excrutiatingly funny. —Advt.