ALHAMBRA THEATRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2914, 19 January 1910, Page 77

ALHAMBRA THEATRE.

fullers’ Empire Vaudeville, if it has not come to stay, has every excuse for so doing. The entertainment has struck the popular fancy in a manner for which Messrs Fuller and Sons would appear to have a particular genius. On Monday the performance possessed the additional charm of novelty, and another series of successes was scored by tli© latest importations of an enterprising management. The floor of the theatre was crowded from orches a to the back row of the pit, behind which a number availed themselves of standing room. The company opens the programme with “ The Moonbeam Chorus,” an illuminating item which serves to dispel the drab atmosphere I of damp streets and is by way of a mutual j introduction. Among the first appearances is Joe Charles, who would seem, fully to justify his claim to being Australia’s premier comedian. Another new-comer is Miss Beatie M‘Donald, a very clover comedienne, who was well received. A capital turn is supplied by Professor Godfrey’s cockatoos, which, with a monkey, _ a dog, and a magnificent cat, are intensely interesting for some IS minutes. The monkey has its face painted and is attired as a bluejacket in review order. Its talents lie in the direction of the unexpected. It turns double somersaults and Catherine wheels, skips with a rope, and generally comports itself like a crowd of small boys condensed! to the stature of a solitary imp. On© cockatoo is exceptional. There are four flags of various nationality, and the intelligent bird hoists one or either at the expressed wish of the spectators. It also dances, and plays a miniature hurdy-gurdy by turning the handle with its beak, whereupon the dog, whose forte, by the way, is sneezing, howls dismally. Mr Frank Yorke, the comedian, .is responsible for much hilarity, which is generally in evidence during his presence on the boards. Miss May Nave lie’s soprano voice is heard' to advantage in several happy little ballads, and Miss Ethel Preston, the soubrette, scores in “New Zealand is the place for me,” which possesses the additional merit of being patriotic. Her other song, “ Mandy Jane,” though less patriotic, is quite as convincing. The Lewis Sisters are skilled and graceful dancers, and their performance is refreshing after the bombastic style of floor-banging too commonly passed off as dancing in music halls. Their songs, “Sweet Carolina” and “That’s a point to hear in mind,” are well presented and popular. On© of the features of the entertainment is a brief dramatic scene, of which the words and music are by Mr Jack Russell. The scene is laid in the Domain, Sydney, looking towards St. Mary’s Cathedral, and depicts the sorrowful plight of a “ dosser,” who parts with his coat to a lady in distress, and finally falls dead at the feet the policeman who bids him “ move on.” A curate appears and informs the constable in .sepulchral tones that “he has moved on for the last time.” The little play is well put together and ably acted. The scenes and illuminations also strengthen it. The new programme is mirthful and striking, and docs not err in the direction of coarseness.