MONTAGUE SHOW

Southland Times, Issue 23336, 21 October 1937, Page 8

MONTAGUE SHOW

NEW REVUE STAGED “THIS YEAR OF CARNIVAL” Brilliant spectacles, lavish stage settings and crisp comedy were again features of the second production of the Montague Show, “This Year Of Carnival,” which opened at the Regent Theatre yesterday. In this completely new revue, the company fully maintained the high standard set in the earlier production,' “Let’s Go Places,” and colourful scenes were presented in rapid succession, interspersed with outstanding vaudeville turns and snappy comedy to bewilder the eyes and ears of the audiences. This non-stop type of revue is the answer of the stage to the competition of the films and it is in a highly developed state in the Montague Show. In a revue crammed with brilliant scenes, the “Carnival of Chess” perhaps stood out as one of the most colourful conceptions seen on an Invercargill stage in many years. The shimmering dressing of the pieces, and the precision of movement in accordance with the movement of the chess pieces were a delight. “Carnival In Spain” was another scene which gave the designer full scope for striking effects with brightly coloured scenery and scintillating dressing. The appearances of the Darmora Troupe in the various scenes were highlights in the production, the brilliant acrobatic dancing, of these talented girls and their graceful performances in charming ballet numbers admirably demonstrating the versatility of the dancers. Madame Darmora was also seen in a series of brilliant solo dances. George Doonan was again responsible for the greater part of the humour of the show, his rapid-fire patter never failing to secure a delighted response from an audience which needed to be on the alert at all times to keep abreast of the comedian. He was well _ supported by Barbara Vernon, Jimmy Jewel and Ben Warriss in a series of clever snapshots. A remarkable performance was that of Alma Mackie in a demonstration of eccentric dancing, with an unidentified but clever partner. Handled in tne most reckless manner, Miss Mackie collapsed like an unstable doll or punctured balloon whenever she was released, giving the impression of complete relaxation. Brilliant eccentric dancing was the feature of the turn of the Dawn Sisters, who introduced their performance in a novel and amusing manner. This 'clever duo, who were stars of the revue, also assisted in some of the humorous sketches to excellent effect. In the same department _ were The Two Rogues, whose acrobatic tap dancing reached its highest standard in this revue.

The vocal section of the revue was strong and the many melodious numbers enhanced the value of the entertainment. The Four Blenders again scored great success in a series of “hill billy” numbers, in which familiar songs were given a new and attractive setting. Other soloists were Catherine Stewart, Margaret Kelly, Marjorie Jacoby and Barbara Vernon. In the ensembles, the chorus was hardworked and efficient in a great number of quick changes and vocal efforts in the musical numbers. The orchestra under Mr Cyril Connolly contributed much to the success of the bright revue.

“This Year Of Carnival” will be repeated tonight and will end tomorrow night, when the final performance in Invercargill by the company will be given.