“WHY BE SERIOUS?”

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 94, 14 January 1939, Page 13

“WHY BE SERIOUS?”

Frank Neil’s Revue Begins

Today

This afternoon at 2.15 and tonight at 8, in the Opera House, Wellington J. C. Williamson Theatres will present two opening gala performances ol lia £ Neil’s colossal revue extravaganza, nby Be Serious?” which will present for Unfirs't time the famous American. stage anil screen star, Mr. Will Mahoney, who has been acclaimed in London, Australia ami Auckland as the cleverest and most humorons comedian on the English-speaking stage today. In Auckland Mr. Mahoney captured his audience on his opening performance during the first two minutes, and the large Williamson theatre was afterward taxed to capacity at every performance. A big factor in his success is that his. comedy is always clean and wholesome, and he appeals alike to allHis songs and jokes are all new, and bis marvellous dancing will prove a revelation to playgoers of Wellington. He is brilliantly, clever in his dancing of popular and classic melodies on a xylophone with the aid of drum sticks attached to his shoes. Though Mr. Mahoney is a whole entertainment in himself, Mr. Neil bus surrounded him with a particularly strong combination of international revue i' 11 " vaudeville artists, including Miss Evie Hayes, a dainty and delightful singer ol popular songs; Miss Violet Carlson, w;ho is popularly known to playgoers of Wellington, because of her outstanding performances in “Balalaika” and "'J'lii' Desert Song” recently. Miss Carlson will present her own specialty features, among which are “Dance Aristocrat” and .“Burlesque on Famous I’rima Donnas. ’ Mr. Whitey Roberts, a remarkably line comedy juggler, is most entertaining. Jiniac. it is said, performs almost, unbelievably dexterous feats with playing cards, cigarettes. and massive briar pipes, “'.rex Morton," wrote an Auckland critic, "walks nonchalantly into the affections of his audiences with yodelling airs and became a firm favourite at bis first appearance. ’ “As a whistling artist Mr. Johnny Bryant,” continued the critic, “reveals a tone as mellow as the thrush's note, his whistling fantasias to orchestral accomplinimont are ravishing, and are enriched by bird call and warbling variations.” Mr. Lawrence Brooks, tenor singer, Mr. Bob Geraghty, entertainer, Miss Dorrie Ricketts, Mr. Bruce Carroll, light comedian, Mr. Tim Blackman, dancer, and the famous Tivoli Theatre beauty ballet and also a bevy of Australian mannequins will also be appearing. Altogether Mr. Frank Neil’s latest revue company is said to be the best he has ever sent to New Zealand.