THE STUDENTS ENTERTAIN

Evening Star, Issue 22955, 12 May 1938, Page 5

THE STUDENTS ENTERTAIN

OAPPIMC REVUE PRESENTED A feature of the entertainment world in Dunedin is the annual presentation of the Capping Revue, and last night to a capacity house in His Majesty’s 'theatre the students of the Otago University staged the first performance of the 1938 revue, enlivening with convivial buffoonery. The entertainment presented was of the carefree type that one has come to expect from past efforts and which is enjoyed-to a greater or lesser degree according to individual fancy. If “ enthusiasm is the breath of genius,” the students’ performances should bo beyond criticism, and they should hear the hallmark of perfection. Unfortunately, however, enthusiasm is hot everything, and this new revue may definitely be likened to the curate s egg—good in parts. To vary the figure of, speech it might be said the chain was weakest in what should have been its strongest links —namely, the farces. There were two, but neither possessed the extent of entertainment that brings one to overlook faults and deficiencies, and both fell below the standard that has been set in the past. The first farce, ‘ Falling Prices,’ was a peculiarly involved affair, which concerned the visit of two far-from-genuine American dietitians, who _ saw themselves being deprived of their livelihood in Dunedin through the council’s decision to dispose of the Kaikorai cable cars. The dietitians, with the aid of two of the councillors, evolved a plot to frustrate the City Council’s scheme, and brewed a “ hell potion ” with which to poison the councillors before the cable cars could be interfered with. Bnt “the best laid plans of mice and men gang aft agley,” and here was an instance of the truth of the poet’s observation, for an unexpected climax developed, and the dietitians’ dreams came to nothing. The second, ‘ Itching Moments,’ which wan longer and generally better staged, dealt with the chequered love life of a wealthy young man, who was forced to accept the aid of a well-meaning friend to make the course of true*love run smooth. This farce ,was more vulgar than clever, hut there were some smart lines, suggesting the influence of the films, and which revealed a spark of genius behind the scenes. The young man who took the part of Jerry Tooit indicated a decided flair for vaudeville comedy, and he, assisted by his very much alive gander, gave a most creditable performance. No, University revue would ho complete without its sextet, and there is a talented group of singers attached to this year’s entertainment. The sextet made two appearances, the first being slightly less auspicious than the second. The young men had obviously been picked for their voices, which blended harmoniously. Following long-estab-lished custom, the songs were all highly topical, and therefore intensely appealing, and,-also following precedent. were based on well-known airs. Perhaps their happiest number was ‘ No One Ever Seems to Know,’ which they handled'in the manner of a group of specialised singers who visited this city some months ago. \ There was another sextet on the programme, but the members of this performed without singing. Their turn was of an acrobatic nature, revealing that Students are .as much at home in

the gymnasium as they are in the realms of frivolity. This turn, dinering so greatly from the rest, was well received, but it was a little protracted. As important to the students’ revue as the sextet is the ballet, and last night the ballet proved itself almost as good as the sextet. The principal number, ‘ Fanatical Fantails,’ was very well done indeed, the masculine performers, airily garbed in diaphonous_ frocks, exhibiting a convincing feminine grace and rhythm. This appearance was rounded off by an hilarious solo burlesque of the fan dance. And there were, of course, the interludes, those brief playlets and sketches which fill the gaps between the larger presentations. Easily the cleverest of these was ‘ Footprints on the Sands of Time,’ the full value of which did not appear to be appreciated by the audience. An amusing interlude was provided by the appearance of Duenna Dirtbin, a noted child singer, who struggled “ manfully ” through a number made popular by a certain youthful film actress to whom Duenna Dirtbin bore no small facial resemblance. The orchestra, under the baton of Mr James Clark, is well deserving of special mention. It rendered very capable assistance throughout the performance, and proved itself one of the best musical combinations that has yet been associated with a capping venture. The revue will be staged nightly until Saturday.