PRINCESS THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19147, 15 April 1924, Page 11

PRINCESS THEATRE

Heading an excellent vaudeville bill at the Princess Theatre was the sixth production of Con Moreni’s Musical Comedy ComEany’s “Antonio and Son.” It is a second alf that cannot but attract all lovers of clean comedy to loi«l vaudeville headquarters during the week. The action of the bright little play centred round “Antonio,” proprietor of a little restaurant, bis generosity to the “Widdy O’Brien” and the love affairs of his son Pietro. Any amount of amusing situations followed one another in quick succession, and the major portion of the musical numbers were items of note. As usual Con Moreni took the centra of the stage, although not in an obtrusive'way, as would lead one to assume that he was monopolising affairs. In the role of the old cafe proprietor ho has ample opportunity to display his '.marked gift for characterisation, and his \ affectation of broken English wag well done. Ida Leggat as Mrs O’Brien (a poor widdy woman) did good work, as also did Dan Weldon, who was oast as Pietro, Antonio’s son. The scene of the old Italian cafe in Sydney, where the proprietor, “Antonio” (Mr Con Moreni), whose broken English so often greets one in restaurants, and upon which he takes pride, has trouble with aia customers and servants. He, however, proves that there is much warmth in hi g heart, when “Mrs O’Brien” appeals to him for assistance, and when his son, Pietro, falls in Jove with a young woman and marries her against his father’s wish. He imagines hiS son very slow, tut there comes a time when he completely changes that opinion. A present to “Antonio” of a yellow "dog,’’ which brings about the destruction of clothing of anyone telling lies is tne means" of affording amusement/ This leads to a great “mixup,” so that at the end when Antonio forgets himself and tells a ' real whopper,” he loses—-well, his predicament is exceedingly awkward. This illusion was well carried out all through, as indeed was the whole of the comedy which included some really good musical numbers. The best of these were—“ Susan,” by Harry Moreni and the Girls; “When You Give a Shamrock,” by Ida Leggat; “Italiano,” by Con. Moreni; “Summer Time Rosi,” by Dan Weldon; and “Sunshine Auey,” by Harry Moreni and the Girls. .The* ballet work by six charming girl s was one of the outstanding features of the show. Their work too is enhanced by the fact that they are continually appearm in fresh frocking schemes, that prove not only a delight to onlokers, but suggest that tne ballet is controlled by someone who knows what the public wants. The first half of the programme is quite up to the usual standard as regards quality, and some particularly fine turns are given. Colino makes his appearance for first time, and gives a most dexterous exhibition of juggling. His manipulation of three billiard cues, and of three long sharp knives, are splendid feats in themselves, but his juggling with a ball of pbout 50lb weight, a fan, and a small piece of paper may not appear wonderful to some, but ig nevertheless a difficult feat, and was cleanly performed. The concluding feat was the juggling with a long broom -perched on his forehead. On the top of the broom was a chair, and on top of that a spinning tub. He succeeded in not only balancing these with consummate ease, but wound up with spinning the chair as well. Needless to say he was loudly applauded. Mirano Bros, present a turn entitled “The Flying Torpedo,” which provides thrills innumerable. A torpedo and an anchor-shaped ladder are suspended from either end of a horizontal bar, which revolves on top of a tower. The torpedo, which is driven by a propeller in much the same manner as an aeroplane, contains one of the brothers, and the other takes up a position on the ladderanchor. The propeller, with a roar resembling an aeroplane, causes the huge mechanical contrivance to revolve at a rapid rate, .and, the performer on the anchor repeatedly changes his position. At times he is hanging by one band, and finally winds up a most thrilling turn by hanging by on© foot. loiter on© of the brothers mounts a swing and turns a complete somersault over the top ot the contrivance. This was the signal for a perfect furore of applause, which did not subside until the performer oame forward and bowed his acknowledgments. The other turn is Victor the Great, who, with the assistance of two others, including a clever girl ventriloquist, gave a varied ventriloquial act which provoked the heartiest ot applause. This evening the same programme will be given when two new turns—Curly Sher wood (with smiles and dimples), and Charles Sherman (an entertainer with new ideas)— will be presented.