PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19505, 13 June 1925, Page 9

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Gayln Wyer and his Bn ml Box Romm Company concluded a successful season at (lie Princess Theatre last night with their bright production “Tho Review of Revues. ’ The balance of (lie programme was equally entertaining, selections lining contributed by Alex. Kolleway (the singing rover), Victoria and Frank (who present a novel act), and Estelle Rose (in character songs ami stories). PHIL SMITH COMPANY. PREMIERE AT PRINCESS TO-DAY. The advent of a. new company is always on event eagerly anticipated by Princess Theatre iwlrons, and when u now show has tho imprimatur given by the mime of Unit supremely popular comedian, Mr Phil Smith, tho highest anticipations are as good us realised before tho curtain rises. The Phil. Smith Musical Comedy Company, fresh from its triumphs in Australia, commences its New Zealand tour of the Fuller theatres at tho Prim-ess Theatre th is afternoon, following with a second performance 10-night. Advance reports, from the other side acclaim it a uniquely talented organisation of musical comedy experts, admirably supporting the rich and original humour of Phil. Smith himself, whoso name to Australasian theatre-goers is synonymous with laughter. Tho season will 'ho one of true musical comedy in miniature —riot revue; and the more prominent attrilmies of Mr Smiths shows are a real comic story to each piece, a rich musical score, some pro-eminent dancing splendid mounting and dressing. In 'support of Mr Smith the following players are listed: Nat; Hanley, AA in. Green, Robt. Raymond, A 1 Mack, Phyllis Nicholson, Peggy Peate, Mildred O’Brien, Ida Merton, and the Smiling Six, u charming and talented corps do bullet. . Tho opening production for to-day is “Mama’s Boy.” The plot deals with the anxiety of a' pretty widow to conceal the fact, that .she has just married again from an amorous school master who has willed her all his fortune. Jf her re-marriage wore known tho will would be altered, and in order to prevent that happening tho husband is called upon to play the part of the widow’s son. As the husband (masquoracliii" us tho son) Air Phil. Smith makes tho hit of Ids career. His acting clover jokes, and innuendo, and the absurdity of Ids position as the bullied new ixty at tho school, unite in keeping (ho audience laughing. He is ably assr-ted byMr Nat Hanley, a versatile comedian, willi mirth-provoking methods of his own, who also shows ability as banjoist, pianist, and eccentric dancer As tho widow. Miss Peggy Peate is said to be delightful. She has a strong, sweet soprano voice, which is heard to good effect in “I Do Not Know,” and the duet “Because You’re You,” sung with Mr Robert Raymond. Ihe school master. NTr AVm. Green aids the meiiirnent as a French master in love with a flighty thinner (Phyllis Nicholson), and Miss Mildred -O'Brien is a remarkably clever specialty dancer. The piece abounds m gaiety, comic eflecis. and clever eiioiais work'by an attractive ballet, known as the “Smiling Six.” Moreover, the show is most handsomely stager! and dressed The vaudeville to-day and to-night will bo presented by the charming English impressionist Miss Estelle Rose, AI ec Keileway, (ho Singing Rover, and Victoria .and "Frank: and on Monday will ha added two important acts in The Buckleys (whepo foots of modem teleixithy are said tc> be bn tiling and brilliant); and Keith Wilbur (the mimotie genius). r Patrons, are, indeed promised a show ot remarkable variety and excellence.