Frank Neil’s Rem Company

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 183, 5 August 1938, Page 10

Frank Neil’s Rem Company

THE ORIGINAL POPEYE BILLY COSTELLO IN PERSON BOX PLANS OPEN THIS MORNING While a tremendous amount of interest. is naturally being taken in the first appearance here of Mr. Billy Costello, from whom the character of Popeye tho Sailor was created, and whose voice is the original voice of tho famous Mar Fleischer cartoons, tho artists who have been engaged by J. C. Williamson Theatres for Frank Neil’s stupendous Hollywood revue, “Hello Popeye,” which is to be presented at the Opera House on Monday and Tuesday nights next on on Tuesday afternoon, beginnmg at 3.30 includes a number of the best known London and New York performers. Billy Costello became enormously popular in Sydney and Melbourne, and it was generally acknowledged that in his specialty act he is even more entertaining than on the screen. Among the artists who are associated with Mr. Costello are Syd Page and Joey Porter, two of the most humorous comedians who have ever appeared under the banner of Frank Neil, and they are supported by Miss Peggy Earle and Miss Ruth Ru’die, and it is said that tho four of them create roars of laughter the whole time they are on the stage. Miss Rudie, it is said, possesses a pair of eccentric legs which she uses to great advantago in one of tho cleverest and most unique dauces ever witnessed on the Australian or New Zealand stage. Another feature turn in “Hello Popeye” is that presented by the Elite Trio. Their act was acclaimed ill Sydney as the last word in artistry in terpisehore. Set in a'garden of glamorous girls the Elite Trio present an ever-changing series of movements, combining grace and thrill, and work up to a crescendo of sensations that in variably briDgs the audience to its feet. Mr. Billy Rayes created a furore in Sydney in his patter and comedy .haggling act. Horrie Dargie is said to be a wonder of the ehromonica, and tho Knimo nde Brothers are amazing acrobatic marvels. The Ritchie Brothers are brilliant tap dancers, and othor artists ineludo ICay Zanunit, a delightful soprano, and Mavis Ritchie, a brilliant young soubrette and Betty Lambert, a delicious Australian comedienne. The famous Tivoli ballet and chorus are, is usually tho case with Frank Neil’s shows, a feature of “Hello Popeye. ’ ’

The box plans will be opened at Collinson and Cnnninghame's this Friday morning at nine o’clock. A queue wiil be formed from 8 a.m.