POPULAR REVUE AT OPERA HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18575, 25 September 1928, Page 7

POPULAR REVUE AT OPERA HOUSE.

Again last night the New Opera House was packed, the large audience being ample testimony to the popularity of the “League of Notions” Revue Company, one of the very brightest that ever has visited Christchurch. The enthusiasm with which the audience received each item was a great testimonial, and one can safely say that the applause was well earned, for the show last night was as snappy as could very well be wished for. The wealth s of talent that the company brings is j in itself a sure guarantee of a great 2 evening, and the refreshing numbers s chosen seal the audience’s approval. 1 Mike Connors and Queenie Paul lead s the company, and with them Syd Beckz most capable of comedians, make a 2 team that cannot be bettered. All the - large number of supporting principals 3 are of the very highest class, and the i- ballet do a good best to live up to „ their ambitious title, the “Exquisite ir Six.” Jazz bands form an indispens--5 able portion of the modem revue com- :- pany, and in this respect the “League r of Notions” is especially lucky. Linn 2 Smith and his merry men are adept s performers on their numerous instru--2 ments, and their talent is not merely 2 confined to extracting the notes. 2 Queenie Paul and Mike Connors were enthusiastically welcomed when they 1 gave their duets, the first, “Here I Am r Broken-hearted,” being followed, at the s demand of the audience, by “Bridget 2 O’Flynn” and “Harvest Moon.” Then 2 individually they gave numbers which i were as well received. Mike Connors l was the leading spirit in many bright r little potted farces, which if well done.

are alwaj's acceptable, and these: were particularly well done. Bright lights in those little sketches were Syd Beck, Ernie and Fred Paulasto, Gladys Shaw, Bert Rayne, Les Pearce. Queenie Paul and Phyllis Baker. S}*d Beck was at the very top of his form. Ernie Paulasto runs him a close second, and together they make a wonderful pair. The}- were very good in their various interpretations of “The More We Are Together.” One of the best pieces of the evening was the “Trial of Mary Dooley,” in which Syd was an exceptional judge, very exceptional, in fact, and an original interpretation of the law was given. Valerie Rougal and Bert Rayne were, as usual, all there with their dancing numbers, and Les Pearce had a couple of songs which gave his excellent baritone voice a chance. Phyllis Baker and Gerald Connelly chose “ Momma's Got Younger ” for their dual number, and a very pleasing and bright exhibition they gave. Gladys Shaw sang “Honeymoon” very well, and Phyllis Baker, in “Gonna Get a Girl,” kept up the gay standard. Linn Smith and his associates were well in the fore right through the evening, and in their own particular period they gave as good a selection of incidental music as could be wished for. The way they supported the rest of the company was very effective. Dancing seems to suit the chorus admirably. They worked well all through the evening, and their steps have a snap and sparkle that is very refreshing. Altogether it was an exceptionally bright evening, and the Opera House should be well filled this week^