WILLIAMSON’S XMAS ATTRACTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 82, Issue 305, 24 December 1938, Page 9

WILLIAMSON’S XMAS ATTRACTION

"WHY BE SERIOUS?” The directors of J. C. Williamson Theatres Ltd. announce this morning that they have completed arrangements with Mr. Frank Neil for the appearance here at the Opera House on Thursday, January 12, of the famous American singling and dancing stage and screen comedian Will Manoney, who will be presented in a mammoth and spectacular stage revue “Why Be Serious," which has attracted record audiences in Sydney and Melbourne for many months past. Mr. Mahoney was recently commanded to appear at Buckingham Palace, and it is said that he made their Royal Highnesses, the King ana Queen laugh uproariously, and they congratulated Mr. Mahoney on his clever and entertaining performance. The remarkable gifts of facial expression and twinkling feet which, it is said, tap out nonsense as diverting as his original gags, are highlights of Mr. Mahoney’s special brand of comedy. Mr. Mahoney will be associated with a brilliant aggregation of 60 artists from all- pans of the globe, including Miss Evie Hayes, a distinguished American radio, stage and screen artist, who sings popular songs in her own style, Miss Violet Carlson, the diminutive comedienne who made herself immensely popular with playgoers when she appeared here recently in “Balalaika” and “The Desert Song.” Mr. Whitey Roberts is a comedy dancing juggler from NewYork, and Jimae is a talented American artist who does some astounding sleight of hand tricks. Johnny Bryant, also from America, is said to be the world's finest whistler, and Tex Morton is the renowned cowboy yodeller. Bob Geraghty is a uniqu New York light comedian and dancer and Mr. Lawrence Brooks is a young American singer, with a tenor voice of exceptional range and quality. Dorrie Ricketts is a vivacious soubrette and Bruce Carroll, a noted raconteur. Features of “Why Be Serious” are the picturesque stage settings, the gorgeous dresses and the outstanding work of the famous Sydney Tivoly Theatre Ballet and mannequins. The box plans will be opened on Tuesday, January 10, at the D.I.C.