BRIGHT REVUE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22464, 7 July 1936, Page 12

BRIGHT REVUE

MANY NOVELTY ITEMS « BIRDS OF THE NIGHT " WELL VARIED PROGRAMME A brisk succession of singing, dancing and novelty items, brightened by a- humorous story or piquant sketch, introduced the Hart-O'Brian modernistic revue, "Birds of the Night, to Auckland at His Majesty's Theatre last night. It was a most successful introduction, for every act was warmly received by the large audience. "Birds of the Night" is a colourful extravaganza which swings along at racing speed. Every scene brings something new, something a little different from the usual vaudeville offering, and something that is genuinely entertaining. The singing, solo and chorus, is highly accomplished, the ballet dancing is crisp and finished, and the juggling, tricks and tumbling of a team of experts show remarkable talent. Through a series of sparkling skits, the comedian of the piece, 1" rank O'Brian, keeps his audience in high good humour, whether he is setting up as a "talkie titler," acting as a cook, or telling a fascinating little tale about Adam and Eve and the statue on the Domain gates. Janice Hart, his copriricipal, proves her worth as a singer, offering numerous songs that have made her popular as a radio artist. Mostly she is accompanied by the ballet, and the brilliant scenes result from a combination of charming frocking and attractive scenery.

Notable Juggling Act The high quality of the novelty items is indicated when Vic Sanderson appears in a juggling act. With astounding ease he keeps a motley collection of balls, tennis racquets, lumps of lead and apples bobbing about in the air, never faltering a moment nor spoiling the evenness of his actions. Something approaching the -world champion "chain smoker" is seen when Dave James is on the stage, for he consumes cigarettes by the score, the mystery being where he produces them from and how he lights them. A brilliant piece of tumbling is performed by the feminine member of the Three Orlandos in their item, "The Hag Doll," while something new in interpretative dancing is offered by Desiree and Montague in an extraordinary phantasy, " Limehouse Blues." One of the outstanding attractions of the programme is the acrobatics of the Yelesco Trio, who, after balancing themselves in most precarious poses, calmly present violin items.

Effective Mass Scenes The company possesses an attractive soprano in Marie Doran, whose two items were warmly appreciated. Cecil Scott assists Frank O'Brian with his fun-making, while Alec Kellaway occasionally contributes a bright song. Others who take leading parts with success include the petite Alma Aldous and the clever dancer Thelma Gollan. Of several effective mass scenes in which the ballet is seen to advantage, perhaps the concluding item, "Birds of the Night," is the most pleasing. Highly colourful as a result of the scenery and lighting, the act is given a novel turn by the freeing of a number of pigeons from the dress circle. The birds swoop down to the stage and, after fluttering about for a few seconds, alight on a huge parasol held by Janice Hart. Throughout the entertainment incidental music is provided by Bed Beacham and his orchestra. "Birds of the Night" will be presented for the remainder of the week, and next week a new revue, "One Exciting Night" will be offered.