STANLEY McKAY’S GAIETIES

Southland Times, Issue 23438, 19 February 1938, Page 9

STANLEY McKAY’S GAIETIES

THE POPULAR HILO DUO The popular Hilo Duo (George and Wehi Greig), Hawaiian entertainers, is one of the outstandnig acts of Stanley McKay’s “Gaieties” Vaudeville Company which is to open its Invercargill season at the Civic Theatre on Monday, February 21. George and his wife (Wehi) were members of Sir Harry Lauder’s company for three years, and have been with Mr McKay for some 18 months. A Wellington paper, in referring to the offering of the Hilos, said: “Music exudes from them as naturally as breath from their nostrils . . . they succeeded in doing what had hitherto been regarded as almost impossible—they persuaded a Wellington audience to join in popular choruses and sing as if inspired.” The “Gaieties’ ” leading comedian is Mr Joe Lawman, Australia’s greatest whistling and singing fun maker, who is to star in a series of novel and snappy sketches, assisted by George Corelli; Elton Black, Scottish comedian: Alice Bennetto and Winnie Egerton. Mystery surrounds the work of James, the man who plucks some 40 lighted cigarettes from the air. Lovers of the violin will be charmed with the playing of Elvy Ferguson, who is to be heard in classical as well as the latest popular numbers. The specialty acts are many and varied, including Les Diamondos, who present one of the most beautiful posing offerings ever seen in New Zealand; Les Fredos, Continental acrobatic violinists; Heather Wright, New Zealand’s champion eccentric dancer; the Big Four, directed by Cliff O’Keefe (basso); Leo Trenette, brilliant Australian tenor; and Elton Black, Scottish comedian. The plans are at Beggs, where seats may be reserved without extra charge. The first matinee is on Wednesday next.