"TALK OF THE TOWN"

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 55, 2 September 1937, Page 14

"TALK OF THE TOWN"

FRANK NEIL REVUE

Latecomers to the New Opera .House last night were unable to gain admission so great was the demand for seats for the second programme of the popular Frank Neil Revue Company—"Talk of the Town." The success of non-stop variety in New Zealand augurs well for the future of the legitimate stage, and the Neil Company deserves the greatest praise and appreciation for the excellent performances given.* There are several outstanding stars in this galaxy of international artists, and as Mr. Neil combs the world for his people, it will be recognised that any company he presents is worth while, It was a most enthusiastic: audience, and gave good measure of applause to one and all. Miss Irene Vermillion and her Dart Trumpeters again presented an artistic act, in which the dainty American acrobatic dancer turned somersaults with facile grace and the trumpeters cajoled the sweetest harmonies from their instruments. Mr. Dart at the piano enhanced the effect' of this.sen- : sational act. Con Colleano on the tight wire was again a first favourite,, his agility and daring bringing their owji reward in appreciation of his art and especially of his forward somersaults which he again accomplished successfully at the second attempt. The Broadway Tappers varied their- dane ing and tumbling act with new ..steps; the lady's tap dance on her toes and the male partner's aerobatics greatly pleased and amused. Bob Parrish's smile and his baritone songs are things to remember. He received an ovation for his singing of "September in the Rain," "Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life," and "Empty Saddles," and still the audience wanted more of him. Sisson and Neale presented a most artistic act with harp and whistling solos; the dainty blonde harpist and her brunette whistling partner present one of the most popular acts of the programmes, the audience not being slow to recognise the art of the harpist and the talents of the siffleuse in her astonishing mimicry of birds. Amazing contortions were again done by the Harris Sisters, two clever juveniles, whose frog act of last week gave, way to some, of the cleverest acrobatics,, performed on a small platform, with tumblers full of liquid, which the pair proceeded to drink and balance from all angles. Lissome1 grace characterises their act. The Artistos, in their adagio work, were again outstanding: the capacity of the beautifully-propor-tioned lady to turn herself into all sorts of twists and turns and yet retain the grace of a bird in flight is remarkable. Charles Norman, debonair ex-musical comedy star, is pne;ofthe most popular light comedians ever to have visited Wellington. He is at his best in a number of sketches with Chic Arnold, Jack and Sylvia Kelle-

way, his frivolling ; havins hilarious effects on audience and partners alike. His simultaneous dance with Mr. Arnold is deft and neat, and always he brings a light humorous touch to whatever sketch he graces. Margaret Grimshaw, Australian soprano, and Bernard McCaffrey, baritone, are popular performers'; the former was soloist to numerous ballet numbers, notably tho "Dance of the Hours" ballet, in which the Tivoli Ballet of shapely girls did some really fine classical barefoot danring in diaphanous, billowing frocks: and Miss Grimshaw sang sweetly "Paris in the Spring." She was also soloist in "When the Poppies Bloom Again," the ballet representing flowers swaying in the breeze. The Snow Ballet was another charming, number, in which these clever Australian girls from the Tivoli, Melbourne, simulated alpine grace against a sun-kissed, snowcapped mountain scene. Natalie Raino (soubrette) contributed seyeral snappy numbers with ballet assistance, and also danced with sparkle. Altogether it is to be anticipated that the present programme, on its merits, will indeed be "The Talk of the Town." The dressing is tasteful, the settings are good, and the talent is there in every act. Wally Reynolds and his orchestra work hard to keep up with the extraordinary variety of turns presented.