“1935 REVEILLE”

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1935, Page 9

“1935 REVEILLE”

GORGEOUS SPECTACLE. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. The five .nights’ season of the “1935 Reveille” opened at the New Plymouth Opera House last night with distinct success. The Reveille is being staged for the benefit of the Mayor’s relief fund at New Plymouth, but those who have not yet seen the production will find its claims for support rest upon merit, and not merely upon the cause it is trying to aid. The “1935 Reveille” is chiefly a spectacular production, but individual dancing and singing together with clever spetehes add spice and originality to the entertainment. The producer, Mr. W. Lints, has brought his team of amateurs to a high standard of performance, and the ease with which the programme was handled, the precision and “snap” that characterised the production bore tribute to his skill, zeal and enthusiasm. The players appeared to enjoy their share ■ of the programme, and when that is achieved it is easier for the audience to follow the good example. An excellent orchestra conducted by the pianiste, Mrs. L. Davies, and including Messrs. H. McNeill, G. Munns, H. Lee, H. G. Kay, C. Smith and L. Blanchett, had a considerable share in the success of the entertainment. Of course there were delays, and the little hitches' inseparable from a “first night,” but in artistry, stage effects and frocking “1935 Reveille” was a credit to performers and producers, and deserves the warm support of the public. As has been stated, the entertainment is largely spectacular, and for such to be successful the ballet work must be neat and polished. When to those virtues is added original frocking and pretty stage effects the results are likely to be appreciated by the public—as last night’s audience demonstrated on many occasions. Soloists in songs and dances were Mesdames Birch-Johnston, Quay, Ferry, Misses E. Reilly, Marjorie King, Greenwood, Gwenda Kibby, Fee Evers-Swin-dell and D. Cock; Messrs. Quin, Kerr and Lints. Mesdames Kircher and BirchJohnston; Misses Myra Wilson, Elva Crawshaw, Phyllis Campbell, and Eva Crawshaw, and Messrs. St. L. Reeves, B. Richards, G. Ovenden, H. Winter and Overton took part in the sketches. The delightful little dance solo by tiny Norma McCarbury was one of the most appreciated items on the programme, and was a tribute to Miss E. Riley’s careful teaching, as well as to natural ability. Tire sketches were great fun. They touched lightly upon many phases of life, and always held a laugh. One of the most amusing portrayed the reversal of plumbers and doctors in the social scale, and there were several little domestic scenes that brought much appreciation. The comparison between a woman’s idea of buying a hat and that of a mere man was a happy effort. Of the songs, Mrs. Birch-Johnston s “Ooh Er," sung as a self-satisfied “slavey” who did not like some of her former mistresses, was the most popular. Miss Greenwood and Mr. Quin sang a charming duet, Miss Fee Evers-Swindell sang prettily, and Mrs. Ferry gave the right tone to the well-favoured solo “Vienna.” Mr. L. Kerr was robust or persuasive as his songs demanded, his best effort being a song from “Chu Chin Chow.”

The star item among the dances was the duet by Mrs. Quay and Mr. W. Lints. Its title was “Aerial Creation,” and it was not unfitting for action that was gossamer-light danced to music that was equally dainty. Mrs Quay gave also a vivacious Spanish dance with much success. Miss Elwyn Riley’s . solos were skilful and polished and received much appreciation from the audience, as did Miss Dorothy Cock for her dainty and charming toe dance. The “1935 Reveille” will be repeated tonight, with certain alterations, and it can be recommended to all who enjoy bright and satisfying entertainment. ’