VAUDEVILLE TRIALS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 154, 17 March 1923, Page 9

VAUDEVILLE TRIALS

FUN AT GRAND OPERA HOUSE. It is sometimes p. trial to sit out a vaudeville show, but when it cornea io trials of would-be artiste custom and experience have encouraged a spirit of good-natured fun. That was the case last evening at the Grand Opera House, when the management offered inducements to budding talent to come out in the open. There was no lack of aspirants for public approbation, but though the average competitor was good enough to pass muster there were some who would do well to turn their attention to other matters than the stage. Mr. A. Walton sang “Playthings” with plaintive appeal, as he twiddled his old brown hat, and was allowed to pass on. Allen George, attired in riding breeches and putties, essayed to sing “Mother Macbree” in a pinched nasal tenor. “There’s a spot ” he commenced, but the peculiar timbre of his voice caused a roar of laughter. He made several attempts to get past that “spot!” but without avail, and finally on his exit said: “Well, all I oan say is you are not gentlemen 1” (Roars of laughter.) Mr. J. Scriver, made up as an intensely black negro, with vermilion lips, trilled a stave tho complaint in which was “I’m Tired of Playing Second Fiddle." He passed muster —just- A lanky youth, in shorts, showing an expanse of wea-ther-beaten log, recited “The Green Evo of the Little Yellow God” palpably. One of the hits of the evening was made by Miss Briggs, in a whistling specialty. This young lady is an exceptional* ly good two-finger siffleur. and her soft tone, true to pitch, caught the favour of the audience immediately. Miss White, a fair soprano, sang “The Henri of a Rose” well enough, but “Come Sing to Me” was too broad an invitation to the gallery, and she departed—a broken melody. Tom Wallace, another singer and whistler, had to take the count. He wished to make a speech, but tho imperious stage manager waved to him from the prompt entrance to come off, which be did protestingly. Little Jacky Harris, who sings, dances, and plays the banjo, became an immediate favourite, and the Bassin girlies jazzed cleverly enough. Miss Rodgers exhibited a nice mezzo in “Because,” and did not deserve the tomato thrown at her. She appeared av'ain as the lady in the specialty turn bv West and West, her partner being crude, vulgar, and distinctly unfunny. There were other juvenile performers, the best of whom was Hazel Martin, who did a policeman dance, which was not without humour. Mr ; Frost played the accompaniments efficiently. 'The finals will be taken this evening, when further fun is anticipated.