BIG OVATION FOR MORRISON QUARTET

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29245, 1 July 1960, Page 13

BIG OVATION FOR MORRISON QUARTET

Something m the nature of a gigantic fan club packed the Majestic Theatre last evening to welcome “Showtime Spectacular” to Christchurch, and, in particular, to see the four men who in the last year have become the “hottest” recording groups in the Dominion. The theme of the show throughout seemed to be "keep it gay, keep it light, lots of noise, and let's hear those feet tapping.” Tap they certainly did, from the rise of the curtain to the thunderous applause almost three hours and a half later. Stars, of course, were the members of the now almost fabulous Howard Morrison Quartet. In the first half of the programme in charcoal grey suits and in the second half in light grey silks, the four gave most of their record selling hits, such as “My Old Man’s an All Black,” “Battle of the Waikato” and the solo, “Granada," with a polished and almost effortless ease. “One of the only women who can sit on a bar stool and get a hangover without touching a drop” was-the irrespressible Rama White billed as "20 stone of fun.” Singing in the grand manner of Sophie Tucker, Miss White held her own with her particular style of hip-slapping, belly-sjapping rhythm. Noel * ’cKay. a polished stage performer, whose speciality is female impersonation, provided a little rock ’n’ roll. Doing his female impersonations in the second half, he changed from a fulllength blue evening gown in a matter of seconds to a black cocktail outfit and then to a white tasselled two-piece costume. Mr McKay bad the audience wondering what to expect next The breezy compere, John

Daley, of Auckland, threaded the show together with wisecracks. In a cornflower blue dress. Patti Brittain, of Melbourne, sang raucous rock ’n’ roll and husky sentimental numbers. She was applauded enthusiastically. Providing most of the “mood" music for the evening were The Tremelos, with the 17-year-old multi-instrumentalist, Claude Papesch. Although their style of playing may offend the ears at times, it certainly pleased many judging by the beat of hundreds of feet. Toni Williams, of Auckland, without resorting to any visible showmanship, in his own quiet, if serious manner, pleased most with his rendering of the current hit. “He’ll Haye to Go." Those who do not like a high volume of noise for three hours should stay away from “Showtime Spectacular" but those with itchy feet—ready to tap out a lively tune or two—would be advised, if they can get a seat, not to miss the Siow.