"SOMETHING NEW”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 108, 8 May 1936, Page 8

"SOMETHING NEW”

- GAIETIES OF 1936” SUCCESSFUL VAUDEVILLE WAXiIAXHI SEASON OPENS Combining melody, niiilh n'ml (lance wii.li an occasional excursion into lira, classienl aiul more, serious, "The Gaieties of 11)3(5,” presented by Mr. Stanley McKay, opened its Wanganui season last: night with a bright and sparkling revue entitled "Something New.” '.Jit spite of the unfavourable weather a large attendance gave the show an enthusiastie reception. Clever tap dancing, songs, artistic settings, sketches and jokes were featured in a production of variety and last moi enienl. Frequent applause paid tribute to the popularity of the items and the fact that vaudeville and variety entertainment are still in favour will many theatre-goers. Following the overture, played by May Brooke and the Gaieties Orchestra the' whole company created immediate enthusiasm with 'a number called ‘■Happy.” h’ussell Callow, with his rich tenor voice, was heard to advantage in Kipling's “The Road to Mandalav,” followed by Ike Delavale and George Corelli in a humorous interlude. From 0 a militarv dance, performed by Jerry Keogh and ballet, the scene (■hanged to°a short, matrimonial sketch "Blaine, lira Weather.” The Gaieties is an ably produced entertainment bv pi" raising and talented performers. There is not a dull moment in lira programme and scenes and acts change with remarkable rapidity, while tlra°se.enerv and presentation of Ihe scenes are above the standard of the. averara vaudeville entertainment. With its Eastern setting and played with subdued lighting effects, ‘‘A Night in Arabv,” with Russell (’allow and a full ballH, was a number of considerable merit and would have done pmtice to more, lavishly-produced nlavs. Among other notable and praiseworthy efforts was the rendition of “Miserere” from ‘‘H Trovatore, bv Winnie Edgerton and Fussell Callow, who accomplished with some success the change over from lighter vamlevdle tn classical. This was a and pleasing feature of last nieht’s entertainment. Rapid changes, from the laughter and gaiety of wit an( | clever gags to the more serious aspects of life, kept the audience entertained from the <_ ening chorus to

ihe final curtain. Ike Delavale provules an of clever humour interspersed with an occasional song, while Maggie Buckle? with the singing of ‘Hula Lou create' another quick and P°P ul » r change in atmosphere. Magg.e Buektev" numbers, incidental!?', were alwavs popular. Several items ated in last night's programme were outstanding and away from the r.ustornarv trend of vaudevdle perfon"ances.’ Among these were.the ' Ihiee, Grecians” in their aran _e balancing act. displacing superb ] ? 0 stren , t h and balance, and Colin and Patricia in an adagio presentation. •I-Pesc acts were of the highest order and were greeted with warm applause. The Gaieties include a dainty, dapper ballet that not only add grace colour and form to the general acts, but also provide a sprightly artistic rap-dancing turn all bv themselves. The bi" feature number is offered m mi „- e modern art, adagio dancing, obuining ,| S name from the erm for slow, minuet-like musra-adagio. . n thrilling and yet “Hen beaut tully statuesque compositions of jcrobati o contortion and posing acts adapted. to graceful rhythmic action and performed to music, I'atrima and Mm ah t.ernatelv charmed and startled the honse to enthusiastic, applause. Last, but far from being least, I at Reno and his performing dogs quite matured the crowd, which was espeev allv taken with Fido s one-act comedy in'estal lishing a safe alibi for a barefaced steal at. the expense of the household eat. Kept briskly movmg to smart lime I"' May Brooke s orchestra, and its appeal of me.od?, mirth and thrill extensively flavoured 'with noveltv. the initial offering of the Gaieties quite obviouslv won the un, versal approbation of the large audi-e,lTo-ni"ht the Gaieties will present a <•<„upK-te ehniige of P-og*” afternoon performance will be held tomorrow and the Wanganui season will