“Hello, Popeye"

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 180, 2 August 1938, Page 9

“Hello, Popeye"

FRANK NEIL’S REVUE THE ORIGINAL POPEYE Tlie following was written by an Auckland critic oi tho opening New Zealand production of Trank xNeil ; s stupendous Holly wood Revue, ‘ • Hello Popeye, ’’ to be staged by j . C. Williamson Theatres at tne Opera House on Monday and Tuesday nights next week and on Tuesday afternoon, commencing at 3.30. Excelling previous Frank Neil s productions, the revuo “Hello Popeye,” which opened its Auckland sear.oii at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, met with an enthusiastic reception from a large audience. An attractive ballet colourful dresses, remarkably effective lighting and sets, and a large numbei of celebrity variety artists made the performance one of unusual merit.

Heading the company is Hilly Costello, known by his voice throughout the world as the voice of tho famous cartoon character Popeye the aailorman, and his appearance on the stage was greeted with warm applause. Mr. Costello, who is in. the course of a world tour, in which he has already visited England, South Africa and Australia, will return to Hollywood at tho conclusion of his performances in New Zealand. Appearing in the guise of Popeye, his voice was immediately recognised as that of tho well known screen character and in tho group of numbers in which he was heard he exhibited the amazing flexibility and distinctive quality of liis voice. Accompanying himself on the ukulele, he sang several songs in his natural and Pop eye voice, interspersing his numbers with the inimitable patter familiar on the screen.

One of the most amusing and novel turns was given by the Elite Trio, Hollywood adagio dancers, who minglet their clever adagio dancing with a great deal of Rumour. This is their first visit to New Zealand.

The possibilities of the moutli-organ wero well illustrated by Horrie Dargie, brilliant young harmonica player, who

was heard in a variety of tunes. Clever acrobatic tumbling by the Kermor.d Brothers proved popular, and the liitchio Brothers, two eccentric dancers, were received with applause.

Of the numbers m which the ballet took part, possibly “By tho Waters of Minnetonka” was the most colourful Singing was provided by Kay Zamnut, and the part of “Big Chief Swing It” was taken by Betty Lambert, whiio the Frank Neil girls provided a gay scene. The costuming was on a lavish scale and the lighting was particularly effective. The box plans will be opened at Colliuson and Cunningham’s on Friday morning.