PRINCESS THEATRE

Evening Star, Issue 18335, 24 July 1923, Page 7

PRINCESS THEATRE

WARM GREETING TQ NEW SHOW,

George Wallace, writer, composer, producer, and comedian, must bavo felt thoroughly satisfied with the reception accorded tho 1 Dancing Delirium ’ Revue with which he opened Ids Neiv Zealand season at the Princess last night. Tho playlet itself if it can bo called a playlet- —was just the usual string of items with an allembracing but inappropriate title. But it served to show that the combination was going to bo a popular ono in Dunedin, with George Wallace himself tho main cause. Ho was a distinct success, and attained to it with methods different from thoso adopted by tho revuo comedians who have scored so heavily in trio various proauctions staged at this theatre within recent years. Do is of the quieter rather than of the rush-about type, Australian rather than English, His humor flows rather than bubbles j but it flows naturally, and needs no approciablo amount of help from the others to make it effective. He styled himself (in _ the courso of ono of his little explanations) an originalogist, and there was ample proof during the evening that ho eschewed the stereotype. As Bibulous Billy Brown, who was never allowed to get on with his story beginning, “ I’ll never forget one night Geoigo was very funny, indeed, and the “ How to Hypnotise” stunt, in which_ the-_ subject refused to respond to his “ influence ” and got away with an armful of property, aroused hearty laughter. Still heartier laughter greeted his 1 Waiter ’ sketch and his original ‘Dixie’ ditty; while the outburst reached its height in tho final scene, which might bo’called “ ‘ Yarriiwoujn,’ with Billy butting in.” Ho can sing and dance as well, and is altogether a clever artist. Next in importance is Marshall Crosby, who possesses a very fine voice indeed, and whoso Ringing of 1 Nirvana,’ ‘ Bo a Alan,’ and 1 On the Road to Anywhere ’ evoked exceptionally warm applause. It is something of a rarity to find such vocal excellence in a- member of a revue company, and the audience were not slow to recognise this, bringing the singer back three times on one occasion. Marsh all Crosby is a useful man histrionio fdly, too, and, as Pop Jones, was ono of'those largely responsible for keeping the show going. The other male members aro Tom Lincoln (a real dude, who will provide plenty of amusement during tbo season), Reg. Collins (who also sings a bit), and Jack Why to (who dances well). So far as the ladies are concerned, the company is only fairly strong, though. Nellie Hart did some good work, including one of Goo. Wallace’s Aussie songs, ‘ He’s Shook on Ale,’ and accompanying dance of a new Apache type. Hilda Gifford sang ‘ Somebody’s Baby,' and Bobe Scott was a useful help. An important feneature in all revuo companies is tho ballot, and tho six girls who comprise that feature in this show are satisfactory In every way. They aro good lookers, good dancers, and aro full of pep. ‘ Tho Six Rascals ’ they aro called, and attractive young rascals they aro. Their part in tho finale, where they como on as Wallace's “ Mob,” was ono of their best performance's. There is ono big thing which Air Wallace and his merry band may bo congratulated upon: tho show is entirely free from any objectionable feature, either in word or action. The first part consisted cd four acts, all fresh this week. The big act was that of Collcano, who is certair.lv one of the most wonderful performers on tho wire seen hero. He m as much at homo on that slim strand as in*a ballroom, and jazzes as stylishly and buoyantly, But that is, comparatively speaking, child’s play for him, for, after bouncing from standing to sitting positions, and then back-somersaulting, ho divests himself of his dross doilies while on tho wire, tho final garment (his trousers) being actually removed ana discarded while ho is in tho act of doing a somersault. When ho landed safely on the wire, and the audience recovered its breath, there was loud and continuous applause. Still more difficult somersaults were attempted. Poincare, a sillleur and mimic who has visited Dunedin before, made a welcome reappearance. His imitations cf various birds were remarkably well done. Abdy’s Groat Zoo, a most entertaining act, has also been seen at the Princess on previous occasions; but it is quite good enough to stand repetition. Cats, dogs, monkeys, cockatoos, pigeons—all do tricks in a wonderfully intelligent manner. Winnie Prevail, a soubrette, sang a couple of songs nicely.