BIG OVATION FOR MORRISON QUARTET

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29246, 2 July 1960, Page 15

BIG OVATION FOR MORRISON QUARTET

Something in the nature of a gigantic fan club packed the Majestic Theatre on Thursday evening to. welcome “Showtime Spectacular” - to Christchurch, and, in particular, to see the tour men who in the last year have become the “hot-test-’ recording group in the Dominion. The theme Of the show through out 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 charcbal 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 almosi effortless ease

“One of the only women whr can sit on a bar stool and get a hangover without torching a drop" was the i-respressible Rams 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-slapping rhvthm.

Noel ' 'eKay, a polished stage performer, whose speciality is female impersonation, provided a little rock ’n’ roll Doing his female impersonations in the sec ond half, he changed from a full length blue evening gown in a matter of seconds to a black cocktail outfit and then to a white tasselled two-piece costume. Mr McKay had 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-yiear-oJd ' multi-instrumentalist. Claude Papesch. Although their style of playing may offend the ears at times, it certainly pleased •tiany 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 Have to Go."

Those who do not like a high volume of poise 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 show.