PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19182, 27 May 1924, Page 9

PRINCESS THEATRE.

The Wallace “boom,” which was revived when Mr George Wallace ' and his revue 'company commenced a return season ax the I'nncoss Theatre last week, shows no signs of abatement, and the packed House which was in evidence last night showed that the public do not readily tile of a good thing. Mr Wallace, by his originality, has blazed a new track .in revue. and Fuller patrons are following him along >t with the greatest appreciation. Last evening this comedian, assisted by his bright and clever company, produced a sparkling comedietta with music and dance diversions, entitled ‘‘At the Cross Roads.” Its humours lend themselves most happily to Mr Wallace’s very individual and subdued comedy method ; indeed, as in previous productions, much of the material is ,of his own composition. The scene is a country village. All the boys and girls meet at the cross roads at night to rehearse for the entertainment they are shortly to give. The storekeeper (a character entrusted to that fine actor and singer, Mr Marshall Crosby) has engaged a noted actor to produce the show, and Wallace, arriving for a more humble job, is mistaken for this actor. The absurdities which follow are most hilarious, and include a remarkable jazz band performance. The comedietta gave Mr Waljace every opportunity to display his wonderful gift of laughter-making, and the screams of mirth which were provoked stamped Mr Wallace ns a comedian of a high order. There arc some excellent musical numbers, which give the vocalists of the company every opportunity to display their talents. Mr Marshall Crosby, as usual, heads the list ns a singer, and his rendering of “Cloze Props” was one of his best efforts and evoked unstinted applause. Ho was also successful in the trio “Irish Wore Egyptians,” in which be had the capable assistance of Mr Wallace and Miss Marie Nyman. The concluding item was a song medley, in. which the latter two were loudly applauded for their rendering of it. Other good vocalists in the combination are Messrs Tom Lincoln, Charles Lawrence, and .Tacky White and Miss’ Sadie Tilburn. The Slix Rascals lent valuable aid as choristers and dancers, and the audience was not slow to show its appreciation of their efforts. The vaudeville first part is a particular!" good one, there being three absolutely new acts, every one of which is a gem in itself. Hilton and Max appeared on the programme as the first of the newcomers. and the orchestra had commenced to play the music incidental to the turn when Mr Max emerged from the wings and signalled to Mr F. H. Stokes, the musical director, to cease playing. Both Mr Stokes and the audience were at a loss to understand the meaning of if. and wrongly—as it subsequently transpired—interpreted Mr Max’s actions as part of the performance. W T hen Mr Max could lie heard he explained that his partner, Miss Bilton, had met with an accident through a weight attached fo one of the screens falling and grazing her head. This explanation was not token seriously, and it was not until Miss Nell Crane made her appearance that it was realised fhat something amiss had happened. Inquiries showed that an accident as described bv her partner had happened, but she nkickilv came on later and gave a particularly clever turn. They are billed as comedy stars, and they quite uphold their claim to that distinction, their patter and vocal items indicating that they ore finished performers. Miss Nell Crane, who is a delightful pantomime principal bov, is neautifnllv gowned, and gave one of those performances which will live long in the memory of thosQ privileged to hear it. Her impressions of a child was one of her best efforts, and ber monologue. “The Three Agos of Woman.” was an excellent turn and gained for Miss Crane loud and sustained applause. Mr George Eduardos and Co. were responsible for a most diverting remedy sketch entitled “An Indian Night,” in which joyous iazz, dialogue, a love lyric, a. Salome dancer, and a romantic theme were found. Mr Edwardos is also a rnonolognist of some note, and entertained in this direction most accentnhlv. His two partners rendered valuable assistance to their principal, and the combination in evidently one which has learned the last word on bow to entertain. Mr Charles Lewis, the English comedian, danced and sang his way into th» pood graces of an appreciative audience, hip best vocal item being “I am Glad You aro Sorry.” ’flic Folies Bergercs Quartet is one of those instrumental combinations of which one rarely if ever tires. Thev are, to sav the least, most, artistic performers, and the audience could not hear enough of them last night. The same programme will be repealed this evening.