PRINCESS THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17064, 24 July 1917, Page 6

PRINCESS THEATRE

The new programme at the Princess lheatre, presented for the first time last evening, was opened by the appearance of Dot Devine's "Gadabout Girls"; a quintette of comely and clever young ladies who very fairly exploited the possibilities of singing ahd dancing, to the complete satisiaction of those present. Both the vocal solo and part singing were good, and the dancing that was engaged in—not extensive it is true—was neat and attractive. The soprano strikes tho listener as possessing a voice of very good quality, which tho young lady uses to advantage, and the pianiste_ is evidently by no means deficient in musical talent Geo. De' Alma, who has on previous occasions delighted Dunedin audiences with his banjo playing, made his reappearance and gave further proofs ot his ability as a performer on an instrument that is not as frequently heard as it used to be. He played a great variety of music, and played it all welL Billy O Brown, a coloured member of the present company, was most diverting in his budget of humour, and had some difficulty in making a final escape from the stage Tho turn given by Ormand Triller was not only new, but distinctly novel in character. With the aid of what as they lie on the stage look like rags, he builds up, by means of hanging them on a huge blackboard landscapes that are wonderfully effective considering the materials used. A very interesting feature of his exhibition is that what he is intent on reproducing is a mere matter of speculation until the last few finishing touches aro given to the picture. Then tho stage being darkened for a second or two, and the limelight' turned on tho work, the intention of the artist stands clearly revealed to everyone. Probably co more expert xylophonist than Murlayne, who plays everything- from ragtime up to grand opera, has been seen here.. He is most dexterous in his manipulations of the hammers, and covers a keyboard that gives the impression of being more extended than usual. His performance was very cordially acknowledged, but as far as appreciation went none received it in a more emphatic form than did Miss Violet Trevenyon. This young lady sang her allotted songs to the complete, -satisfaction and enjoyment of the audience, and had to reappear again and again beforo her trim figure was seen for the last time. Laurence Johnson did not appeal in vain for tho good opinion of those present in his ventriloquial turn, which proved to bo quite a clever item in the programme. Some persons might, bowever, consider tho use of Scripture to produce merriment, if not pctually irreverent, at least I _ Jering upon it. The remaining performers wore Carlton and Sutton, who provided an abundance of fun during tho ten minutes they occupied the stage. The same programme will be again sonted this evening.