Opera House

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 133, 8 June 1935, Page 6

Opera House

CLEM DAWE’S REVUE COMPANY.

The following is portion of tho criticism written by the representative of the Auckland Herald of tho first night of tho season there of Mr. Clem Dawe and his revuo company which is to appear here in the Opera House for a farewell night on Thursday, January 13. “Mr. Clem Dawe holds an undisputed place in the regard of Auckland audiences. He always has something new to offer and behind all his work there is personality which can lift clowning to a high art. He had only to come on tho stage for tho first time

last night to have the audience convulsed with laughter, and the pace was set for the evening. Mr. Dawo retains his well-worn boots, but has added a winter suiting in checks, which has to be seen to be appreciated. Comedy, naturally, is the essence of revue entertainment, and with Mr. Dawe at the head of affairs, fun never flags. Ho shuffles on and off the stage a score of times, confounding fortune tellers, experimenting with the telephone, suffering on a bed of pain under tho ministrations of a voluble nurse, showing of the paces of a new car and giving astounding sidelights of modern education for girls. There is never a dull moment, but his “Telephone Tangle” is one of the finest things in revue ever presented to an Auckland audience. His "Trial Turn” as a combination of comic fireman and coon singer is a gem of burlesque and in another category, his comedy-dramatic sketch of an old news-vendor allies genuine acting power to comedy. Mr. Dawe is aided by perhaps the strongest company that has ever been associated with him in New Zealand. There is real musical strength and the singing of Miss Muriel O’Malley and Miss Ann Luciano is a sheer delight. Their group of songs at the piano establishes them as immediate favourites. In addition there is Mr. Ralph Daly, the possessor of a pleasing tenor voice, while Mr. Cliff O’Keefe’s robust baritone was heard to outstanding advantage in "Cellarer” and “Drinking.” Miss Dorothy White in her inimitable style presented one of her best song creations and with Mr. Les. White, Eric Edglev and Mr. Joe Shriuer greatly assist Clem Dawe in his sketches and humorous scenes. Among the artists whose admirers in New Zealand arc legion is Gregory Ivanoff, the violinist. His artistry is undimmed and his playing of Sarasate’s "Carmen,” his own arrangement of "The Rose of Summer” and a musical melange were warmly received. Nor does the dancing suffer in comparison, the ballet flit off and on the stage in brilliant frocks and an equally brilliant array of intricate steps. Their "Train Ballet” and "Toymakcrs’ Dream” are cleverly conceived and magnificently executed. Miss Edna Moncrieff and Miss Edna Luscombo blend vocal and personal charm with the ballet in several effective scenas, and two remarkably fine adagio dancers and acrobatic dancers are Halliday and Watson, who display perfect sense of poise and rhythm in all their work. The operatic orchestra is under the baton of Mr. Tom King. Tho box plans will open on Monday next.