PRINCESS THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16915, 30 January 1917, Page 2

PRINCESS THEATRE

The new. entertainment presented at the Princess Theatre last night, if a little lacking in variety, at least included several refined musical. items of an unusually high order. It is in that connection that Miss Dora Oberman, the Australian soprano, must be mentioned. Her choice of songs, including one in Italian, was admirable, and hei' rendering' of them won her a most enthusiastic reception from the large audience. The two Belgian visitors—Arthur Baroen ('cellist) and Blanche Rossetti ,a very_ pleasing soprano)—continue to be exceedingly popular, not only on account of > their nationality, but for their exceptional musical gifts. Baroen's varied 'cello selections could have been enjoyed for very much longer, and Miss Rossetti found it difficult to escape the demands of the audience even after three appearances. William Sumner, a coloured comedian, gave some amusing coon sopgs, and introduced tricky and clever steps in his exhibition of dancing. Dancing is also the special forte of the lady member of the Devon duo, who can always give a most graceful and bewilderingly rapid exhibition with her feet; and. indeed, in this she is almost equalled by ner dainty little partner. Miss Dorothy Harris is among those who are entering on the last week of their Dunedin season, and her new comic songs were greatly appreciated. Leeds and Lemar, whose season is also drawing to a close, fully maintained their reputation for swift and dashing comedy entertainment. Miss Maud Fanning, the well-known coon impersonator, is every bit as youthful and boisterous as when she last appeared on the Dunedin stage some years ago. and if her humour last night was more subdued than it used to be no one will openly complain on. that account. She certainly caught the popular taste in a remarkable fashion, and the entertainment could not proceed till she had come forward and given a personal assurance that she oould do no more "till next time." She works with tho three Elliot girls, and. managed to keep things very lively while they were all together on the stage. Billy Mann, the Tennessee comedian, introduced his own original parodies of well-known Scottish and Irish songs with considerable success. Dura and Judge, whose turn brings the programme to a close, are exceedingly clever in handsprings and somersaults, and also give an exhibition of head-balancing that would be difficult to parallel anywhere. Plenty of amusing patter- accompanies their work. . Mr Stokes's orchestra, even apart from its excellent overtures, assisted all the performers generally with great skilly and taste, though it was unfortunate that in Blanche Rossetti's singing of " The Rosary " they saw fit .to come in with a crash on tho word " cross." There can be no doubt about the popularity and I success ot the programme for the remainder !of the week, and, indeed, it contains enough fresh fun and good music to make it sought after for a considerably longer time.