NEW JIM GERALD SHOW

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 843, 11 December 1929, Page 16

NEW JIM GERALD SHOW

A BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Bright colourful music and dancing, interwoven with snappy, humorous interludes, the Jim Gerald Revue Company’s new show at St. James Theatre last evening scored an instantaneous success. In the rapid-fire succession of turns there was not a dull moment for the audience, who revelled in the sparkling witticisms that flowed and was delighted with the haunting vocal numbers and effective ballet dancing, which was enhanced by some striking scenic effects. Excellent entertainment was provided by the “Old Time Minstrels,” Jim Gerald, Reg Hawthorne, Dan Weldon and Ronnie Shand, keeping the house in merry mood with their clever patter, dialogue and facial expressions. The burlesque on “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and a quartet convulsed the house with laughter. Lily Coburn was very alluring in singing “It Takes a Good Man,” while Joan Graham also scored a decisive hit with “Oh, Look At That Baby.” One of the most delightful solos of the evening was Linda Foy’s singing of “Carolina Moon,” while Essie Jennings also sang “Stars” most effectively. As an eccentric dancer, Ronnie Shand excelled himself, his acrobatic and contortionistic feats so intriguing the audience that he was compelled to repeat his performance several times. The comedienne, Letty Craydon, was at her best, and found full scope for her ability in “Dinah,” in w’hich she was supported by the ballet. Mercia Elliott and Vi Pitt fittingly concluded this portion of the entertainment with a duet “Slow River,” which was enhanced by realistic scenic effects. The sparkling two act revue, “A Millionaire For a Night,” depicting the adventures of an hotel night clerk who changes places with a millionaire’s son for the evening, was packed full of irresistible humour. Jim Gerald, as the fortunate clerk, excelled himself in the comedy work, his clever word play and sallies provoking peals of laughter in the audience. He was splendidly supported by Tom Dale, as the millionaire’s son, and Reg Hawthorne, who was a picture of misery as the hotel engineer. Linda Foy and Lily Coburn were excellent foils in the comedy interlude. The revue was liberally interspersed with vocal numbers, most popular of which was Linda Foy’s singing of “Bluebird Sing Me a Song,” and with Tom Dale, “Linger Longer.” Jim Gerald’s snappy number, “If An Apple Tempted Adam,” and Reg Hawthorne’s “That’s. All,” were two delightful humorous gems.