EMPIRE VAUDEVILLE COMPANY.

Otago Witness, 1 June 1910, Page 69

EMPIRE VAUDEVILLE COMPANY.

The impetus gathered by the hew programme presented at the Alhambra Theatre on May 30 is sufficient to carry it (literally as well as figuratively) into the middle of next; week. Like the majority of its predecessors, it ■is (sparkling and mirthful, punctuated with swinging songs and energetic dancing. In. this week's entertainment the biograph figures with pleasing prominence. The pictures are good, and the themes of "a downright and powerful nature,' which eeems to grip the spectators: The plot of " The Betraying Mirror " might have been written with a bludgeon —a Parisian bludgeon. Miss Beattie M'Donald further adds to her popularity with several new and catchy songs. One of Mr Joe Charles's new songs is not likely to find favour with landladies. It concerns a boarding-house, and his ditty details among other things how he went so hungry to bed that he was obliged to bolt the door. Judging by the applause M'hich greeted this and other efforts, very few landladies could have been present. The sisters Coleman, from Australia, make for gladness in their song " The girl from the Golden West," and also with some tempestuously exhilarating dancing. They were recalled 1 , and, despite the tax evidently inflicted on their endurance, they responded with unabated vigour. The Kelso brothers, in a capital turn, comprising comedy juggling and hoop-spinning, continue to form an attractive feature of the programme. Mora, " the White Mahatma," mystifies the audience by her extraordinary powers. Questions written by people among the audience and retained by Xhem we answered by her without difficulty. No one has yet been able to guess by what method or medium this apparently impossible feat is achieved. Miss Gertie Johns does a popular turn, and informs her hearers, who apparently refuse to be convinced, that "I've got to be home at ten." The clear soprano of Madame Carrelli is heard to decided advantage in "Roses" and "All the world loves a lover." Tom Armstrong and Prisciila Verne, well and widely known and liked on Australasian boards, repeat by special request an alleged satire, " The Battle of Too Soon," to the delight of the house and their own credit. The skit is a laughable absurdity, and affords scope for the undoubted talents of both artists, who were several times recalled, the audience declining to be satisfied until "I was born in Virginia" and "Give my regards to Broadway" had been sung. Miss Gertie Johns's Irish songs and dancing caused her to be repeatedly recalled, and in so doing the audience was to be congratulated on its taste. The programme should prove one of the most popular presented by Messrs Fullers' New Empire Vauoeville Company.