SHE WAS “MISS CHICAGO”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 93, 11 July 1927, Page 13

SHE WAS “MISS CHICAGO”

ALYCE ADAIR The coming of J. C. Williamson Celebrity Vaudeville Company, which opens its New Zealand tour at His Majesty’s Theatre on July 19, is a combination of persons of the greatest interest. Alyce Adair, partner of Phil Rich, in the wonderful “Flower Vendor” act, is no exception. Only a little time ago she was “Miss Chicago,” having been chosen that city’s most beautiful girl at the annual “Pageant of Beauty.” There is quite a romantic story attached to the meeting, and subsequent mariage of Phil and Alyce. The former was playing in Chicago at the time the beauty boom was on, and he jokingly swore to marry the girl who won the contest. The long and short of it was that he did —and gained the adorable Alyce for a partner—lifelong and on the stage. Together they

present an act that is a revelation of acting and novelty. Phil Rich to-day is regarded in America as one of the greatest “old men” delineators in existence. Elis make-up is amazing and his presentation superb. All Auckland is now talking about Belmont’s Canary Opera, the world’s most remarkable novely, coming with the company direct from Ziegfeld Follies. To realise that Belmont has actually trained his feathered songsters to sing where and when instructed, the act simply must be seen. It has been a sensation the world over, and is sure to take Auckland by storm. Dick Henderson, another star in this wonderful galaxy, is one of England’s foremost funny men. He has had the honour of two Command performances, and is known everywhere as “the man who made the Queen laugh.” A beautiful dancing act is that of Les Zenga Juenes, the renowned French dancers, direct from Paris, who present “something different in dancing.’’ “A girl, a harp, a voice,” is Marie Lawton. Hers is a charming musical act that will appeal to all. Colin Crane, eminent baritone, possesses a voice of a quality rarely heard in vaudeville, and the Lee Sisters, “Up in the Air.” both delight and thrill. The Mighty Valencia is a Spanish trapeze artist, whose daring and risky feats on the flying trapeze are the most hairraising imaginable. Last but not least is the popular favourite, Stella Lamone, vivacious soubrette. Popular prices at 6s, 4s and 2s will be charged, and the box plan will open shortly.