MOON PAINT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 637, 13 April 1929, Page 15

MOON PAINT

GEORGE WALLACE’S RECIPE SEVENTEENTH WEEK OPENS “I have discovered a marvellous substance, known as ‘moon paint,’ which, when applied to anything, causes it to be attracted to the moon. By its aid we shall make our journey into space.” The old professor propounded his garbled theories, and the good people of Silvertown were politely incredulous. But they humoured their queer visitor and helped him build an imposing airship. Then they clambered aboard. Thus began an amazing adventure —a sort of story-book thriller —that formed the climax of George Wallace’s latest super-revue, “Moonbeams,” presented at the St. James for the first time last evening. George bids fair to create a magnificent record. He is now on the seventeenth week of liis giant Auckland season, and is still bowling along as merrily and popularly as ever. The amazing feature of this* remarkable vaudeville achievement is that the shows, if anything, seem to improve. Mr. Wallace produces revues as a conjuror produces rabbits — out of an inexhaustable box which, moreover, appears to contain an equally limitless supply of humour, scenery, song numbers, dances, ensemble effects, and all the what-nots that go to make a thoroughly acceptable St. James entertainment. Last evening’s offering emphasised this particularly. Besides being breezy, and fresh in every respect, it was singularly ambitious, comprising a succession of scenes, embellished by mechanical effects, which would have done credit to a Christmas pantomime.

Shining conspicuously in the first half of the evening was a new sketch, “The Indian.” As a knock-about farce and vehicle for the choicest supply of George' Wallace laughs, this is one of the best to date. Within two minutes the little comedian, assisted by Maida Jones, Marshal Crosby, Jim Romaine and Si Meredith, had the house in an hilarious uproar, and the fun continued fast and furious to an abrupt curtain. “Corpsey,” the murderous George’s affectionate title for a prospective victim, was delicious. Then there was Maida Jones, Jack Scott and the nimble-footed rascals in “Baltimore,” Marshall Crosby singing “Lighterman Tom,” an amazing interlude by the Two Dudleys, and Marie Nyman’s “Fairy Shopping.” A host of melodies, grave and gay. were produced by George’s smart stage band. Tw„o of the brightest moments were a trombone solo by Miff Myers, an excellent player, and a specially accompanied soft-shoe duo by Olive Partridge and Thelma Buxton. These young dancers have ability above the ordinary. Mr. Wallace worked hard and successfully in “Moonbeams” from the moment he appeared as the country rouseabout who “couldn’t remember where he had left off milking the cow.” His interludes, particularly that with Marie Nyman in “Just For To-night,” completely Captivated the audience, which settled down to an hour of hearty laughter. Marshall Crosby was also in his element, while Marie Nyman sang sweetly and proved an excellent comedy foil. Si Meredith, Maida Jones, Jim Romaine and Tup Dudley were others who came through with colours, flying. “Moonbeams” and its supporting high lights are due for a successful week.