BRIGHT REVUE

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 32, 1 November 1933, Page 4

BRIGHT REVUE

“Chasm’ the Blues” CLEVER DANCING SEEN Clever dancing, both solo and ensemble, bright comedy, and good singing are the features of ‘•Chasin’ the Blues,” a revue presented at the Concert Chamber last evening by the Wellington Musical Comedy and Dramatic Society,, under the able direction of David Devitt. The programme was particularly well diversified, and choruses, songs, dances, and sketches followed each. other in rapid succession. The whole thing went with a swing which a few of the usual first night slips did little to mar. The numbers in which the ballets and dance ensembles, effectively costumed and welltrained, were featured were especially attractive. , . . , Miss Kathleen Ferns, the principal woman singer in the revue, made a number of appearances and always with marked success. She has a charming soprano voice that fits the part excellently and in her solo songs, “Maxin Girl, Wild Rose,” and “Pretty Things,” she earned well-deserved applause. “Pretty Things was particularly good. Miss Ferns appeared later in quieter vein in a wellpresented scene, “Old, Violin,” sung to a violin obbligato played by Richard MaunHer. Another very acceptable number was her duet, “When You Are By My Side,” sung with Bert Hickford, who had the chief male singing role in the show, and acquitted himself well. One of his best solo items was Models, and he appeared also with Miss Ferris in “Masquerade,” perhaps the best ensemble number of the evening. The dancing was all up to a very high standard and some of the solo dancers possess unusual technical ability. Miss Kathleen Reid, in particular, danced her way through the programme most daintily. She did a staircase tap with Avice Nolan, Noel Walsh and Charles Stewart, a dashing trio with Charles Stewart and Alfred Smith, and an amusing Apache burlesque with Cyril Tilly. Jean otewart was most effective in a waltz tan with Charles Stew-art and Noel Walsh, and later in a waltz duo. Other solo dances were presented by Florence Heyworth and Nola Woods. The comedy honours of the evenin ß were earned in great style by Cyril Tilte who was always amusing and frequently very funny. Besides singing in several of the song numbers, he played the part of a waiter in a dramatic sketch, Lunch in the Open,” with Irene Wilson, Lindsay Greig and Hal Paterson. He was also the brightest spot in another sketch, “Travelling Light,” the first part of which, however, was acted in too subdued a key to be effective. “Chasin’ the Blues”’ will be presented again to-night and on Thursday. The proceeds are in aid. of the Wellington Free Ambulance.