WING WHISPERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3861, 13 March 1928, Page 72

WING WHISPERS.

By

Petek Pan.

WELLINGTON, March 8. Dear “ Pasquin,”—The box plans for ‘'Tip Toes” and “Queen High” will be opened on Monday next, the first performance to take place on Wednesday, 14th inst. The tale is by way of a change, though it has glimpses of a “ Sally ” personality in the heroine. The music is by Gershwin, so will be good, and several musical comedy favourites will return to New Zealand to interpret it. Briefly, the plot concerns a girl who is a member of a stranded vaudeville troupe; a lOOOdol bill conies the way of the party, and it is expended on Tip-toes as one means of setting a sprat to catch a mackerel. A wealthy husband—for Tip-toes herself — and the troupe will be in clover! There are catchy songs in it; wonderful dancing by three dancers from the Folies Bergere who astounded Australia; frocking that will startle the ladies and intrigue the gents, and in the orchestra there are two pianos that offer syncopation with distinction. “A Smile a Minute” is the apt invitation to Fuller audiences this week by Joe Brennan and his company. A feature of the show is the dancing of the Yale Blues by Peggy Sharpe and Dell Barnes, whose terpsichore talent is out of the ordinary. Two newcomers to the show, rather two old favourites who make a welcome reappearance, are Flora M'Donald and Dalton Payne. Scotch entertainers, in an interlude of fun and music, not to mention dancing. Mr Brennan this week revives his “fireman” stunt, and the sketches give him ample opportunity’ for the droll humour that you know is peculiar to Joe. The Cabaret Kittens liven up the show with ballets, and there is amusement in every moment, as the title promised. Mr J. Bishop, the new conductor ‘ for Wellington’s Choral Union, was warmly welcomed at the first practice on Tuesday night, and made a deep impression with his enthusiasm. Mr Bishop was welcomed by the chairman of the committee, Mr W. Chartres, and by Mr G. W. Troup, our Mayor, as a vice-president, and on behalf of the city. It was a memorable function, and. was characterised by complete harmony. Mr W. J. Harland spoke on behalf of the orchestra, promising assistance in every way. Mr Robert Parker had a rousing reception when he rose t. add his tribute. It might be mentioned that it was in 1878 that Mr Parker began his public career by conducting the performance of “ Elijah” in Wellington, and it is a coincidence that Mr Bishop’s first work will be the same. He welcomed Mr Bishop as the oldest member of the musical profession in New Zealand. Mr Bishon’s reply augured well for the future of the union; he was concise, emphatic about the strict discipline he intended to maintain, and was grateful for the wonderful welcome accorded him and his wife. He concluded saying that he was sininlv “ itching to get to work.” The first practice.,, under Mr Bishop’s baton, of “ Elijah,” was a very happy and successful one. Mr Bishop expresses himself amazed "at the extent of the union’s music library, and said that he had never expected to see such a library, belonging to an amateur society, outside of London. The local operatic society is still hard at it rehearsing “ The 'Belle ’of New York.”