"GEE WHIZ"

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2098, 12 April 1922, Page 5

"GEE WHIZ"

THE LATEST IS REVUES. A large audience assembled at the. Palmerston North Opera House last night, when a local production in the form of a musical revue had its initial staging. The piece, was written and produced by Mr W. J. Woollett, of this town. Mr Woollett has already achieved considerable success in this direction, and it was with confidence that he presented the present production. The. story serving- to connect the entertainment is slender, but is admirably conceived, nevertheless. It is a romance of love, portrayed in dream form, and is handled in capital style by a splendid choice of iocal talent. The revue bristles with sparkling comedy and interesting dialogue and patter. Altogether, it is an effervescent, lively production of which those concerned in its presentation should feel thoroughly satisfied. There, is, however, a tendency to crowd into the programme too many songs, which follow one another in rapid succession, and assist in drawing out the programme to an unnecessarily late hour. We understand it is the intention to eliminate some of the numbers for the remainder of the season, and thus, the show will be improved, and the monotony which was manifest last night will disappear. Unfortunately, the company was unable to hold a final dress rehearsal, und this fact detracted materially from the smooth running at last night's performance, and also made it impossible ror the promoters to ascertain the definite length of time the show would lake in staging. With this knowledge, the company will be enabled to present to the public a smart revue. The setting is cleverly designed, and Hie effects achieved were, indeed, pleasing. It is impossible, in a limited space to deal in any detail with the actual programme; it is sufficient to say that the artists played their respective parts with distinction, and mere were few weak spots. Much of the success of the revue, depends on its comedy. In this respect Messrs Chapman Bros, and Gordon Wicks have seldom been seen to better advantage. Mr Alt' Bland ford had a large amount of work to do, but is more than equal to it. His tine singing is a feature of the performance. Miss Fiji Muir, who partners Mr Biandford in the piece, has an exciting role to play and much difficult singing. She is admirably suited to her part. Misses Brammall and De Rosa arc prominently placed, and their singing last night "was excellent, the former in particular being a distinct asset. As a "dame" and "chaperone," Mr Shadlock is irresistible, while Mr R. Fisher as "Satan," gives a spirited performance. Others in leading parts are Messrs V. Contour, J. Murray and C. White. The chorus work is uniformly good. A feature of the show is the dancing interludes by pupils of Miss Cicely Tabor. In addition to a delightful ballet, danced by a number of well-trained girls, Rose and Winnie Dcnson figure in an Eastern Idyll, and Marjorie Squires and Nancy Hollier performed a 1922 tango in excellent fashion. Solo dances by little Miss Edna Maneon were well received. Mention must be made of the good work of Mr Fred Cousins as stage manager. The revue is accompanied ! by delightful music by a full orchestra, including Mr C. Bell, under Mr Percy Flynn. "Gee Whizz" will be staged fcr two more nights. The proceeds arc in aid of the Campbell Street I School.