BRIGHT VAUDEVILLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 109, 9 May 1936, Page 11

BRIGHT VAUDEVILLE

MUSIC, MIRTH AND DANCING “GAIETIES OF 1936.” The second production of the Stanley McKay “Gaieties of 1936” Company, “Life Begins at Eight,” was enthusiastically received by a crowded audience at the Opera House last night. As on the opening night, and as is promised for this afternoon and for the final performance to-night, the programme combines singing, dancing and humorous numbers in wide variety, in addition to recreating several of the outstanding items of the previous presentation. Prominent among the new numbers was a dramatic scena, “The Melting Pot,” depicting an incident in a Parisian cafe, and including a realistic apache dance by Jerry Keogh and Fhyllis Robertson. The skill and agility of the Three Alecs in a new and even faster tumbling act than their first offering drew prolonged applause, while Ike Delavale. the Jewish comedian, was at the top of his form, both as a solo entertainer and raconteur, and in several amusing sketches with other members of the company. The musical numbers included three violin solos by Elvy Ferguson, “Hungarian Dance,” “Old Folks at Home,” and “Jazz Medley”; a tenor solo, “Macushla,” by Russell Callow; three selections, “Heart That’s Free,” “Play, Fiddle, Play,” and “Ah, -Sweet Mystery of Life,” by the Gaieties Musical Trio, Winnie Edgerton (soprano), Elvy Ferguson (violinis), and May Brooke (pianist), aid a song, “The Best-looking Girls,” by Maggie Buckley. Russell Callow, eminent tenor, appeared with Winnie Edgerton in “Stay Sweet as You Are,” in which a fashion parade was presented. Pat Reno’s performing dogs again delighted the audience with their antics, and the Three Grecians’ astonishing balancing act is a feature of the programme. Colin and Patricia again drew applause in an unusual adagio dance. The orchestra, under May Brooke, and attractive dancing by the ballet, added to the success of the programme. Special Gift Matinee. A special gift matinee will be given this afternoon, and at this several valuable presents will be given away, including cowboy and Indian outfits for boy.’ and also for girls. Children will be admitted half-price at the matinee. Farewell Performance. A grand farewell performance tonight should be attended by many of those who saw the programmes last night and Thursday night, for the most popular production in the company’s repertoire will be presented. This is entitled “Tres Bien,” claimed by the management to be a laugh from start to Inish. One of the highlights will be the duet from “La Boheme,” “Loveiy Maid in the Morning Light,” with Wyn Edgerton as Mimi and Russell Callow as Rudolpho On the final curtain balloons will be released and streamers will be thrown from the audi ence and from the stage to mark the conclusion of a most successful season