ELLA SHIELDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 April 1922, Page 7

ELLA SHIELDS.

EMPIRE THEATRE NEXT WEDNESDAY. The Times, Wellington, has the following to say about Miss Ella Shields: “The subdued, refined art of Miss Ella Shields is so different to what one would reasonably expect from a male impersonator that it charms and impresses in the pleasantest manner. Miss Shields always leaves an audience wanting more. There were large audiences on Saturday afternoon and evening to greet the London comedienne at the Grand Opera House. As graceful, reposeful, and debon nair as ever, the clever singer presented some of the gems from her extensive repertoire, including “Burlington Bertie of Bow,” “In the Army,” “A Sailor’s Life,” and “Back to Wanganui.” in each of which songs she exerted that subtle charm associated with this famous comedienne. Apart from her art as a singer, Miss Shields is a consummately artistic dresser —a very model of a tailor's model, and each suit of male attire is worn without the slightest suspicion of vulgarity. In fact, Miss Shields appears so circumspect that it gives one a shock to see her wink; yet she is a dancer of capacity, and twinkles brightly in the suggestion of a hornpipe in the sailor’s song. The supporting company is the same as when it was last in Wellington a month ago. One of the most remarkable turns is the mysterious repre.sentativn of mental telegraphy given by Mr. and Miss Tree. The three Jacksons present a novel and refined tumbling and balancing act. Con Moreni, in character and dialect songs, gives every satisfaction, and violinist Maurice Sterndale mingled jazz music with Saint-Saens with catholic indifference to the incongruity One of the most artisic turns is that provided by Cahill and Brooke. Mr. Cahill is an unusually facile pianist, and Mr. George Brooke has a robust tenor voice of very appealing* quality. Together they form a strong vocal and instrumental duet. Harko draws a gallery of eccentric characters m his own comic wav. and Togo gives a very clever iugglin-' 'and balancing performance. Miss Shields and her company appear next Wednesday at the Empire, and owin'- to the heavy expenses the company can onlv play one night. Box plans are now open at Collier’s and the wise peiA on will not delay about booking soaU.