“WHY BE SERIOUS?”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 3, 5 January 1939, Page 3

“WHY BE SERIOUS?”

WILL MAHONEY’S TRIUMPH i J. C. WILLIAMSON'S REVUE ] COMPANY The directors of J. C. Williamson Theatres, Ltd., will stage at the Opera House next Thursday the spectacular revue, "Why Be Serious?” which attracted record audiences in Sydney and MelI bourne, and which will introduce to Dominion players America’s famous singing and dancing comedian, Will Mahoney. This artist was commanded to appear at Buckingham Palace, and tr.e King and Queen congratulated him for his splendid and amusing performance. Mr. Mahoney's remarxable gifts of facial expression and twinkling feet, which tap out nonsense as diverting as his gags, are high lights of his original brand of comedy,” wrote a Melbourne critic. "Australians nave seen nothing like his skilful and uproarious playing of a special xylophone by dancing on it with drumsticks attached to his feet. Mr. Mahoney is one of those rare comedians who can take charge of an audience, the players —even the band —and make them forget their worries.” Associated with Mr. Mahoney is a brilliant cast of famous stars from all parts of the world, including Miss Evie Hayes, recording and radio star, Violet Carlson, the diminutive comedienne who made herself popular when she appeared here in | “Balalaika” and “The Desert Song,” Whitey Roberts, America's most humorous burlesque juggler, Tex Morton, cowboy yodeller, Bob Geraghty, a talented American light comedian, Jimae, America’s famous man of mystery and amazing card manipulator, Lawrence Brooks, brilliant young tenor from the principal New Yon; theatres, Johnny Bryant, whistler from America, Dorrie Ricketts (soubrette), Bruce Carroll (raconteur), and other artists, and the famous Sydney Tivoli Theatre Ballet and mannequins.