“THE GAIETIES”

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 January 1938, Page 3

“THE GAIETIES”

STANLEY McKAY’S SUCCESS

The claim of Mr. Stanley McKay that his 193 S Gaieties present “Something Novel— Something New” was proven with the initial Greymouth performances at the week-end. There was a packed house for every show, and the spontaneous fun and clevei sp~ ciality acts presented, stamped tie show as first-class vaudeville entertainment, admirably staged and ar ranged. ’Frequent double encores at the opening performance, of F iday •night kept the show going with a ;iing until 11.30 o’clock, but the enthusiasm with which the artists; w eie received at the-finale proved that the audience would have gladly heard and seen more of them. Again, the inimitable Joe Uwlwas responsible for most ot the fun. He is the. type of comedian whose appearance on the stage is sufficient gain laughs, his facial expressions and merry make-up being always in the

forefront.' His jokes are new and do not have lo be embellished with double meanings to put the audience in a responsive mood. His unique whistling solos put a finishing touch to an excellent performance. He was assisted chiefly by George Corelli, the character eomedian. who put plenty ot snap into his work and proved an admirable foil for Joe Lawmans fooling. Much of the success of the show, is due

,O the popular Hilo duo. Hawaiian entertuiners. At both their appearances, with piano accordion and saxophone, and with guitars, the audience was l,,ih io allow them to leave the stage. 'l'hoir numbers were tuneful and i»r«senred in a happy manner, the audience joining in for eommuritty singing with surprising spontaneity. Of the specialty acts, Heather Wright, the former Reelton girl, who joined Stanley McKay during his last New Zealand tour, received an enthusiastic reception. She is as clever a contortionist as has been seen on a Grevmouth stage, and presents het act with grace and precision, combining with a charming stage manner. A complete novelty was presented by the Glittering Diamondos. whose act. it is difficult to describe. Covered with brilliant. almost, phosphorescent, material. they executed various stauesque poses with unique grace and balance. Another entirely new act. one which is appropriate on a much larger vaudeville circuit, was that ol the b redo Freres, acrobatic musicians. Accomplished violinists, they kept their instruments playing while executing all sorts of difficult acrobatics and tumbling turns. There have been all kinds of "magicians, but. “James, the man with the Capstans'’ presents a new variation of “chain smoking. Appaiently from thin air lie produces not one. but literally dozens of lighted cigarettes. each one being extinguished in turn. His act really proves the old adage that the hand is quicker than

Hu?- eye. On the musical side ol the programme. Elvy. the lady violinist, has, at every performance, to respond to treble encores. She is equally at home with difficult classics or the lightest of jazz. Miss Wyn Kdgerton is the soprano. and has a. pleasing voice, which added to the pleasure of Hie various scenas of which she was the local point. In these she was assisted bv an attractive ballet, which was always graceful. The soiibrefte. Miss Alice Bennetts, was vivacious in her singing and'in her parts in the sketches, in which she took a prominent part, responding well to the nonsense of the comedians. One of the most populai solo numbers of the evening was that of Elton Black, the Scottish comedian. He succeeded in creating- a real Scottish atmosphere and his rendering of “Roamin’ in the Gloamin was thoroughly enjoyed. Likewise. Leo Trenette and Cliff O’Keefe, the tenor and basso, proved themselves the possessors of pleasing voices which were always effective, belli on the serious and lighter sides. The combination of the male voices of the company, in a male quartette, was another popular item, the voices blending well, to produce a. tuneful item.

The staging was one of the features of the show, all being entirely new. A liberal use of red fire in the Hawaiian scene produced a brilliant. result. The lighting effects were not. neglected and added to the beauty ol the costume scenas. particularly in the case of the Daimondos. The dressing, in all cases, was tasteful and effective, the number of changes made by the ballet being - surprising. The finishing touch to an excellent show, from all viewpoints, is provided by an effective orchestra, under Miss May Brookes. At the close of the opening performance. on Friday night, the Company held a midnight matinee, to welcome the New Year. There was a large attendance. and community singing, led by the principals, was thoroughly enjoyed. This evening, a complete change of programme will be presented. and judging by the packed houses to date, and the advance bookings for this week, the 1938 Gaieties will surpass the records of popularity established by their predecessors, who have made the name of Stanley McKay synonomous with New Year entertainment on the West. Coast.