Stanley McKay’s “ Gaieties ”

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 48, 26 February 1938, Page 10

Stanley McKay’s “ Gaieties ”

“THE NAVY’S IN TOWN ” Stanley McKay’s “Gaieties’’ Vaudeville and Revue Company made a great impression last year in Palmerston North, the three nights season concluding with an overflowing house, so its return from a successful tour of Australia should be warmly welcomed by lovers of good flesh and blood shows. The 1938 “Gaieties” opens at the Opera House on Saturday next, March 5, with one of the best Tevues in its repertoire, “The Navy’s in Town,” an outstanding feature of which is a spectacular naval scene written by Geo. Greig, which concludes the first part of its programme. As in- most popular revues comedy is the dominant factor, and, with Joe Lawman leading the revels, patrons are assured of nights of laughter. Mr. Lawman, with his outsize in boots and other wearing apparel, was a great favourite on his last visit to Palmerston North, and, judging by Press reports from Christchurch and Dunedin, he has brought from Australia a wealth of new comedy material. Special attention has been paid to the musical portions of the show, the many delightful song scenes being interpreted by Leo Trenette, brilliant Australian tenor, Wyn Edgerton, soprano, and Alice Bennetto, mezzo-soprano, assisted by the “Gaieties’’ sun-kissed ballet and May Brooke’s orchestra. As usual with Mr. McKay’s companies the specialities arc *of a very high order. Prominent amongst these are Les Diamendos, from tho Folies Bergeres, Paris, who with their bodies almost entirely covered in diamond dust, present what is considered the most beautiful statutory act ever seen in New Zealand. Other excellent offerings are those of Fredo Freres, Continental acrobatic violinists; James, the man with the cigarettes; Heather Wright, New Zealand’s champion eccentric dancer and contortionist; Elvy Ferguson, solo violinist; tho Big Four Male Harmony Quartet directed by Cliff O’Keefe; Elton Black, Sottish comedian: and the Popular

Hilo Duo, George and Mehi Greig, Hawaiian entertainers. Beautiful dressing and the latest in staging and lighting effects are features of each production. The plans open at Collinson and Cunninehame’s on Wednesday next.