PRINCESS THEATRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3403, 4 June 1919, Page 52

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Town and country patrons of the Princess Theatre will find themselves generously catered for this week. The entertainment on offer is not only admirably varied, but it reaches a high level of all-round merit, and a couple of hours or so can be whiled away very pleasantly in the company of the performers who provide it. The new revue presented by Mr Walter George and his Sunshine Players is a bright and breezy production, full of tuneful music and clean humour. The revue, which is entitled "Way Down in Arizona," transports the spectators in fancy to the Widl West. There they see an Indian encampment set tastefully down in a woodland scene, "big chiefs" stalk about with all the dignity of the red man, cowboys and sheriffs help to lend an atmosphere of romance,-and pretty lady ranchers, with a miniature tribe of Indian maidens and cowgirls, complete as pretty a spectacle as has been witnessed at the Princess Theatre for many a day. The plot was so tenuous as to be even more shadowy than usual, but the comedy lost nothing from this cause, there being an abundance of amusing burlesque and an exceedingly liberal sprinkling of particularly tuneful melodies. As "Outhbert, the Cowboy," Mr George Storey had a congenial part, and his stunt with "an norse" wus easily the most amusing thing of the evening. Mr Holly Leslie appeared as the "big chief" Toofoot Toorak, and in his war paint, feathers, and red blanket, he cut an imposing and awe-inspiring figure. Miss Hylda Shannon and Miss Dulcie Milner made a pair of very attractive lady ranchers, and their tuneful voices were heard to great advantage in duet and solo numbers. Mr Irank Hainlng was also in good voice, and

his "yodelling" number was especially well received, an encore being insisted upon. Tho other members of tho oompany were also well suited in their various parts, notably Mr George and Miss Martin. The chorus, as usual, lent strong support, and Mies Polly M'Laren's Indian dance was a novel and pleasing performance. The revue, which is beautifully staged, was accorded an enthusiastic reception, and without undue flattery, it can be described as one of the best productions yet presented by Mr Walter George and his versatile company, Leonard Nelson appeared in the first part of the entertainment on Monday. His turn was on the original lines which invariably characterise his performance, and his undiminished popularity was demonstrated by the hearty manner in which the audience became vocal over his chorus songs. De Car was a newcomer who literally. as well as figuratively, "jumped " into favour. He is an acrobat and also a comedian, and in both departments he attains a higher flight than many of his predecessors. Doreen Dore, an attractive, little girl with a sweet voice and a charming personality, was accorded a splendid reception for her initial turn, \Vhich was full of merit. Baron,' tho ventriloquist, made a novel entry, and scored a distinct success with a new offering. Rieuse and Roger prave further evidence of their ability as French burlesque artists.