PRINCESS THEATRE

Evening Star, Issue 19407, 16 November 1926, Page 10

PRINCESS THEATRE

A BRIGHT PROGRAMME A good all-round programme at tho Princess Theatre this week! The first part of the bill comprises five acts of attractive quality, while for the rest of the evening Elton Black and his company keep things moving merrily. _ So seldom does a vaudeville artist attempt anything original, let alone topical, that when one does come along with a decided bent that way it is a refreshing experience for the audience. The “topical cocktails” of Re" Thornton and Dot O’Shea, dispensed at this same house a few weeks ago, proved so acceptable that the “ customers ” eagerly sought a second round when they knew that entertaining pair were returning. And they were not disappointed with the brand—everything was up to date; one of the ingredients being from the Beauty Contest bottle and another from the New Zealand Cup. Another popular artist was Aniy Rochelle. In these bard, paper-money times we might not be able to cash in Miss Rochelle at her advertised quotation of “ the girl with the golden voice and miliion-dollar smile.” Still, we would go ns near that as finances permifted, if only in gratitude for her light-freight offerings, such as the song about the lost dog and her child studies. The latter are not new, but they are nevertheless fresh, Rayna Carbette, the dainty, black-haired soubrette, sang songs about loving and what-not. This little lady, obviously full of the joy of living, smiled her way through a turn which the house endorsed warmly. Keith and Witt are still with us, relating the attractions of the various stars in the spangled banner. Last night the catalogue included Idaho, Indiana, and Louisiana, and doubtless, had time permitted, the other forty-six would have been boosted. Still, it was done in that quaint harmony which the gallery boy at least admires. Signor Enrico P.airnetto, who has sung at this theatre before, made a reappearance and won appreciation with a budget of songs which included a sympathetic rendering of ‘ Horae, Sweet Home ’ and the spirited ‘ Funiculi. Finicula.’ Tne revue this week is ‘ From Hero to Mexico,’ and is a bright jumble of sketches, stunts—an’ everything. Beginning with an effective ensemble of mixed melodies, the show got quickly into a swinging gait. Elton Black and Ohas. Sherman aroused laughter with an “ interrupted recitation ” item showing how 1 The Village Blacksmith ’ should not be delivered, and then came a switch from the ■ ridiculous to the sublime, Percy M'Kay and Arthur Clarke giving a line rendering of the old favorite duet ‘ Watchman, What of tho Night?’ A satirical sketch followed, in which Elton Black, Alice Bennetto, and Curly Sherwood showed what mere man may come to unless the rapidly “ advancing ” woman is brought up with a round turn A song and dance item by that clever couple Ohas. Megan and Neva Carr-Glynn was bright and acceptable, and then a burlesque called ‘After the War’ got the audience once more in laughing trim In this Elton Black, as an emergency actor, got the legitimates so “ mussed ■ ; p ” that they must have welcomed the : “ Black out,” so to speak. Curly ’ ..ixl and a chorus of lady assista; ii red-and-white striped “shorts” the old song ‘ Biuey Carolina’ a iuiky thing that pleased. Another burlesque, ‘The Prompter,’ had an original touch which will be enjoyed all the more if not explained here. Percy MTvay’s splendid bass voice was heard to distinct advantage in ‘ Zummerzet,’ and finally the whole company combined in a hit of sheer nonsense called l ln Mexico.’ Chas. Megan and Elton Black were the chief purveyors of the nonsense, hut the rest (not forgetting the sprightly chorus girls) aided and abetted, tuneful singing by them and by some of tho principals further enlightening the proceedings, which concluded with a bang, and will bo reopened tonight and each of the following nights.