OPERA HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12244, 16 February 1918, Page 9

OPERA HOUSE.

The unpropitinns weather conditions last evening seemingly Imd not the slightest effect upon the size of the audience which foiegathered at the popular home of vaudeville, the atiemiauco being quite up to the average. Inis must he considered an excellent com mine nt ary upon the efforts of the management la provide discriminating .I 1 """'"'" 1 '"'■" a; Willi till! to, ito IS procurable in the vaudeville WOl'lll, Last night saw a new production by the talented members of the Walter Johnston .Musical Revue Company, who have earned for themselves the well-deserved miniums of the inutitmle oi revue devotees who have been captivated by their really meritorious efforts, and judging by the frequent and sustained outbursts of applause “The It ail way Tangle,” the latest offering, contains all the essentials for a findclass evening's amusement. .Apparently everything in the new revue, except its ultimate success, is made a sacrifice to the god of laughter, but this in no way destroys the artistic merit of the. production. There are many delightful ensembles, the well trained chorus ladies evidently relishing the arduous duties that fail to them,’ and their exiharating, hut always dainty efforts, are cogent factors in the overwhelming success of the revue. Of course, a groat deal of praise must bo bestowed upon that trio of accomplished farceurs, Ous Franks. Ernest Lashbrooke and Harry* Burgess for this, for these three comedians figure prominently in every scene, and their achievements last evening wore all of such merit that it is hard indeed to attempt _ to discover who w.as the. most deserving of praise- Ernest Lash-' brooko Imd a much more congenial part that his previous one, and lie made the greatest possible use of his opportunities. As Major Haddington, ho gave an and this versatile actor has never been in hotter form than when ho is .representing the. querulous old man whose daughter has eloped. Guo Franks’s popularity was quickly demonstrated by the ovation ho received, and the droll Hebrew mado i many more enthusiastic friends by ids impersonation of Tzkv. Harry Burgess, metamorphised into a coloured individual, who had charge of an “Information Bureau,” and he was as whimsical as previously. His song, “Buck Wheat Cakes,” was a novel bit of mummery, while in “Nonsense” he scored a decided “ bit.” Walter Johnston appeared frequently, and was satisfactory in everything but his vocal efforts. Frank Noil has only been allotted a small part, hut ho was pleasing. Rita Starr lias a serviceable voice, and she used it to advantage in “Oh, Yon Beautiful Baby,” which was one of the successes of the evening, while with Walter Johnson she appeared in an old favourite, “Hello, ’Frisco, Hollo.Stella Starr has, a, refined singe appearance, and a fairly sweet voic'd, which with the aid of the ballet, who were elaborately gowned, made her song, “ A alley of the Nile,” very enjovahlet' Lola Hunt has a good deal to do in some of the more farcical scenes, and she always add'? to the genet al gaiety of them. Her vocal efforts were fa.ir. Bello Millet tr was in charge, of the ballets, and they were a credit to her. The revue concluded with a grand Scottish seen a, all the. principals and the chorus appearing in kilt, and they made a very elegant and striking appearance in their handeome tartan. The vaudeville .section of the bill of fare consisting of novel acrobatic turns by “The Hu'leim,” and trick cv/diii" feats bv “The Franks.” ociUniH the first-half, and these we-" quit* In the ; taste, of. .those present.. Tim onrirammo .will hepresented again this evening. iMiiuheiiciug;:. at ■ .eight n’clooh. t