Sensational Stage Acts

Press, Volume C, Issue 29518, 20 May 1961, Page 13

Sensational Stage Acts

All the stage idols of music, mirth, and memory, with vaudeville’s craziest comics and never-before-seen stage sensations from Sweden, France, Germany, America, England, Japan, Spain and Australia make this a staggering stage spectacular. Read just how the theatre writer of the “Auckland Star” raved after the New Zealand opening:— The most thrilling theatrical presentation I have ever seen. I have attended a performance of the non-stop revue at the Playhouse, and this production, to my way

of thinking. Is the latest thing in vaudeville or revue presentation.

You can imagine how thrilled I was to see “Many Happy Returns." It seemed like old times again, except that the acts presented were far more thrilling than any I have ever seen before. For instance, take the juggler he began hi* juggling where the great Cinquevalli left off. He was not content to do his clever work from the stage but mounted a uni-cycle with a seat that nearly reached into the flies.

The most amazing thing was the speed with which

the programme was put through. The stage was not empty for a moment. I have never seen a slicker show, and there wasn’t a mediocre turn.

The wardrobe would do Justice to a London Paladium iroduction and the scenery was a revelation. It was the first time 1 had seen three fountains playing simultaneously on any stage, and the general effect of this colourful display of water was amazing. Of course, the star of the show was Gladys Moncrieff, she was wonderful.

I w» very pleased with the pit bend, for it gave just that musical touch so necessary to a show like “Many Happy Returns.”

The corps de ballet was a talented one and had many changes of costume. I didn’t anticipate that I should live to see tap dancing executed on roller dkates The artist, not content with using the stage to tap dance on. mounted a tall circular table and showed what he could do in such a limited apace.