AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17066, 20 August 1917, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

"GET A MOVE ON."

AN EXCELLENT RE*UE

The promoters of the revue "Get a Move On" (m aid of the Returned Soldiers Association) ar e to. be heartily congratulated, not only upon the success which1, attended the first' fcerfonn-■ anoe, on Saturday night, but upon the excellence of the revue itself. We nave not- yet found a person who can say in so many words what constitutes a revue," but in the ordinary acceptation of "revue," "Get a Move On" is quite good. A capital company has been got together, extra interest attaching to the fact that practically all the performers are seen on the stage ror the first time. There was a very large audience on Saturday, every seat in the Opera House being occupied. The story, such as it is, of "Get a Move On," revolves round a village idiot named "Sam Spriggens," and that worthy proved- himself to be distinctly entertaining. He is obviously not a novice on the boards, and the company are very fortunate in having secured the services of Mr Percy Vere. His makeup and "funny business" were excellent, and he sang most acceptably songs that were catchy and amusing. The leading honours were shared by Sam's sweetheart, "Mary," in which role Miss Alma McGonagle was very dainty, and acted charmingly, while she sang very mcely the songs that felt to her lot. Miss Jean McArtney was good In the conventional conception of the actress who&3 business is the plucking of pigeons, while Miss M. Goldsack carried out well the role of Mary's mother. A considerable number of ladies took part in the revue, but their work was mainly of the chorus kind. That work, however, they did well, and they contribute much to some pretty stage, pictures. One of the best of these was the military tableaux which accompany ied Miss T. Robinson's spirited singing of "The Flog that Rules the World." Amongst the men. Mr Percy Keesing was prominent, his work (including an excellent Charlie Chaplin act) contributing considerably to the success of th© performance. Mr George Gray, as tlie head waiter, who conveniently filled the place of "Swanko," proved himself a good conjuror. Two performers, who were introduced into the revue, proved the wisdom of the introduction. Miss Rona Kino delighted the audience by her singing of two solos, while Mr Claude Suisted sang in his usual pleasing manner "Hullo Hawaii.%; These soios were excellent. Mr W. J. H. Reynolds, in addition to filling the role of the cabaret proprietor, was responsible for the stage management of tiio revue, a successful work upon which' he is to be heartily congratulated. Another performer who should be mentioned is Mr 'Jceker, whose solo was much appreciated, likewise his work with "Sam." A large orchestra under the direction^ of Mr- Edgar Collins, u ras quite a feature of the performance, playing excellently the catchy and melodious music wherewith the revue abounds. The dressing, of the princt pals and chorus, and- the general setting of the revue, were most creditable. Altogether the performance was . very enjoyable, and we have no hesitation in advising our readers to attend th© performance to-night, and the final performance: to-morrow (Tuesday) night. ' ■■■■■■•'•■ .. V' v, ■■ . '■■• ;■ ■■

ENGLISH PIERROTS

That clever combination of versatile artists, the English Pierrots, who were so tvell and favourably received on the occasions of "their previous visits some j six. years a,go, axe again touring the | Dominion, under the direction of Messrs Will and Rob Thomas, whose names are a guarantee of perfection. Some slight changes have taken place in the personel of the English Pierrots since their previous visits, but these have tended to strengthen the combination a® a whole. There are nine members in the present company, and they have a, happy, knack-of carrying their programmes through with delightful ease. The English Pierrots include excellent comedians, whose humor is said to oe such thaifc the audiences are kept in a constant ripple of merriment throughout the entertainment. The burlesque comedies and dramas form special features in the excellent programmes presented by this company. The popular prices should ensure liberal patronage for the Pierrots, whose performances were so highly appreciated on the occasions of their previous visits. When it is announced that the English PierI rots are again to appear at the Opera j House on Thursday and Friday next, | theatregoers will doubtless realise that j a good time may be expected, both in humor and music. The box plan ?s now open at H. L. Jones.

GARRISON BAND CONCERT.

A very large audience assembled r.t Queen's Park .yesterday afternoon, when, the Garrison Band gave a municipal concert. A splendid programme was-given, some very charming numbers being included. The band's playing ■was the subject of very favourable comment by .the. audience, and it is evident that under acting-conductor j". Trussell's direction they are maintaining their high level of efficiency. The Garrison Band will parade this evening, march down the Avenue, and play the fine march, "The North Star." They will also play items outside of the Opera House, including Collingwood, by the Amei ican writer Pettee, and the Twentieth Century. The band has been most successful with the latter march, scoring the possible points at Ballarat, and winning the laafc New Zealand mai ching contest.