THE LORGNETTE

Observer, Volume XXVII, Issue 48, 17 August 1907, Page 6

THE LORGNETTE

By Prompter,

COMING SHOWS. r 16th September to 6th October— Allan Hamilton's English Star Company 7th October to 26th Dctober — MacMahon Brothers' Dramatic Company. 4th November to 16th November— Willoughby Ward-Oeach Comedy Company.

THE vaudeville combination which at present holds the boards at

His Majesty's is one of uneven strength. While Mr Harry Rickards has got together a company which, taken collectively, is of fair strength, still, individually, there are some big contrasts. New Zealand audiences are more exacting nowadays than they used to be. Ouce upon a time, any vaudeville company would prove a draw, but the enterprise ot theatrical managers of late years has led people to look for the best in every particular line, and unless the best is vouchsafed to them they are apt to be disappointed. While there are some undoubted stars in Mr Kickards's company, the talent, taken alt round, is not equal to that which is usually found in the combinations which are sent round here by the Australian manager.

There are two turns which are in a class by themselves. The first is the versatile juggling act presented by Charlene and Charlene. The gentleman is a juggler of more than average ability, and the lady is undoubtedly tbe finest xylophone player that has ever been heard here. The juggling act with a cigar, a top hat and un umbrella, has been seen here before, but Charlene has some original feats which he performs with neatness and dexterity. There is originality, too, in his manipulation of three lighted torches. Standing on a darkened stage, he juggles with them rapidly, while the lady plays a fantastic and bizarre accompaniment on the xylophone. This is a fitting finale to an act which, taken all through, is a fine exposition of jugglery interspersed with some excellent comedy.

The other outstanding act is that provided by Fred Russell — the ventriloquist. Mr Russell is that rara avis — the ventriloquist with original and, at the same time, perfectly legitimate methods. With the assistance of his puppet, " Coster Joe," he goes through a turn whicb, from first to last, is genuinely amusing, and in which there is never the slightest hint of vulgarity. Mr Kussell's attempts at reciting, which are always nipped in the bud by the interruptions of Joe, are funny enough to bring a smile to the face of a graven image. Laughter is continuous while he is on the stage — too continuous, in fact, for very frequently a choice bon mot is engulfed and lost in the wave of laughter resulting from a previous witticism.

King and Benson are officially described as American burlesque artists and singers. So far as Mr King is concerned, he is more of a singer than a burlesque artist. He has a tenor voice of great sweetness, and his singing of a sentimental ditty is one of the features of the performance. Miss Benson is a comedienne of more than average ability. . She puts plenty of vivacity into her singing, which is a pleasant relief from the methods of the average comedienne of the variety stage, who is generally more like a clock-work automaton than anything else. Cassie Wai mer reminds one of May Maud Duprez. bbe has the same . interjectory style. Her mimicry is good, and she is a decidedly skilful Band-dancer. ML^£-.\<?i^.: _.-;< i:'.C *-„.,*-, i\ ;■ ,AA "■■-

Hart and Rochfort, who have been heard here before, contribute duets. They have good voices, but " Excelsior," while undoubtedly a fine song, has been worn threadbare in the past by vain repetition. Hart and Rochfort should revise their repertoire. George Dean is another old favourite. Here, again, a revision of repertoire is necessary. More novelty is desirable, and Mr Dean should not handicap .himself by sticking to songs that should, if they met their deserts* be buried in the midst of oblivion. Ada Sadler, a contralto singer, gives a couple of ballads, and the entertainment concludes with two biograph pictures, both of which have been seen here before. However, they are worth seeing again.

There are no straps at the Opera House, otherwise John Fuller might come under the ban of the Trades and Labour Council, for " standing room only, and mighty little of that " is the cry. There is a big change in' tbe programme this week. One of tbe best turns i.s tbat which is given by the " Sandow girls," Myra Hammon and Alice Wyatt. In the first part tbey give a song and dance, and in the second they go through some physical culture business in the shape ot a dumb-bell action song. Both of these are graceful and pleasing items. Armstrong and Verne are back again with a comical sketch, "Colonel Ketchup," in which they score a distinct success. .Hob Bell i 9 a new arrival styling himself " The Thin Red Line." It's an apt description. He is a capable comedian with an original style, and ought to become a great favourite. The Maynards are two taking serios who sing and dance with fair average success.

John Fuller and A. L. Cropp contribute the pretty little duet "Flow Gently, Deva," an item which always meets with approval. A. L. Cropp aieo gives .bass songs solus, while Clarence Tisdale's sweet and powerful tenor voice is heard to advantage in his items. Percy Denton, black or white — comic or pathetic, is a sure scorer. Carlton Cooper introduces new and skilful business in the ventriloquial line, and Walter and Hughes are high in public favour with their juggling act. Joe Woodward, well - known locally as a comedian, is paying a return visit, aud is as comical as ever. The biograph films, " All- Blacks versus New South Wales," is a very clear reproduction of the big match recently played in Sydney, and " The Shortsighted Cyclist " is a film full of fun from start to finish. On Saturday, next the Ahlbergs, acrobats, and Raleigh and May, wire walkers, will make their reappearance.

The Grand Opera Company concluded their somewhat chequered career, so far as Auckland is concerned, last Sunday morning at 12.20 The final bill of fare was a sumptuous one, comprising as it did two entire operas — " Hansel and Gretel " and " The Flying Dutchman." Commencing at 7 p.m. sharp, the entertainment did not conclude, as stated above, till twenty minute? past midnight, but the majority of the audience manfully (and womanfully) sat the show out to the end. And it was worth while doing so, for all the artists appeared to be at their best, and both operas received a thoroughly good interpretation. The ordeal must have been a tremendous one for the orchestra, but they stuck to the task well and finished in good order. The company has now gone South.

Pollard's Juvenile Opera Company have produced " Blue Bell in Fairy Land " at the Theatre Royal, Christchurch. The company is due in Auckland about Christmas.

West's Pictures continue to show to good houses at the Sydney Lyceum.

Mr John Fuller, junior, has been making good use ot his time while at Home. At latest advices he had been doing a scamper through Scotland, visiting Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness, Aberbeen, and other large centres. He was due to arrive at New York last week,