FRANK NEIL’S HUGE REVUE

Southland Times, Issue 23499, 4 May 1938, Page 12

FRANK NEIL’S HUGE REVUE

JIM GERALD—ELLA SHIELDS Tomorrow night at the Civic Theatre, beginning at 8 o’clock, and on Friday evening at 8.30. J. C. Williamson Ltd. will present Frank Neil’s mammoth spectacular revue entitled "The Wonder Show of World’s Stars,” which achieved a wonderful triumph in Auckland where record audiences were nightly thrilled with the amazing exploits of Gautier’s remarkable troupe of comedy dogs, and highly entertained by the droll humour of Mr Jim Gerald and the outstanding artistry of Ella Shields. But these are only three of the features of Frank' Neil’s latest revue, which includes Don Galvin, the delightful singing troubadour, Arne Hartman who is the best performer at the piano accordion we have ever enjoyed in New Zealand, Petillo and Pesco, wonderful acrobatic comedians; Jimetski, the prince of xylophone players, U. S. Thompson, a marvellous acrobatic dancer, and a host of other famous variety stars. Jim Gerald, it is said, is funner than ever. This is probably due to the experience he has had in England and America, from which, countries he has brought back some of the latest comedy stunts and a number of new and original humorous songs. In her particular line, that of a male impersonator, Miss Ella Shields has no rival in the world, and her outstanding artistry makes a special appeal to theatregoers of the Dominion, and she is particularly popular with local playgoers. On a previous occasion some 10 years ago, Mr Gautier brought to us a team of remarkably clever dogs, but it is said that those in his present troupe quite outshine the original ones. Their outstanding intelligence proved a revelation to Aucklanders, and their comedy performance, as bricklayers never fails to create roars of genuine laughter. Gautier’s famous dogs have a worldwide reputation, and their reappearance here is creating great interest. Dan Galvin is said to be a great personality. He is the possessor of a fine voice and he plays the guitar and banjo like a master. Arne Hartman, who is a head liner in New York, is aptly described as the wizard of the piano accordion, and it is said that he has no peer on this musical instrument. Petillo and Pesco are two marvellous comedy acrobats, and Janetski has won fame in England, America and Australia on the xylophone. There is no less than 30 magnificent scenes in Frank Neil’s Revue, and a feature of the show is the famous Trivoli Ballet, which includes some of Australia’s lovelist girls. There will be a change of programme of sketches, songs and featurettes on Friday night.