THE GREAT NICOLA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 53, 4 March 1939, Page 11

THE GREAT NICOLA

TO APPEAR IN WANGANUI. The Great Nicola, world famous magician, with his new troupe, will appear at the Majestic Theatre on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, March 14, 15 and 16. Nicola will be accompanied by a score of assistants and technicians and over 150 tons of illusions and scenic effects. To enumerate some of Nicola's new features, he mentions as the supreme achievement of his entire life, a magical playette entitled "The Wizard's Dream” —no less than a dozen baffling illusions are crowded into this one scene with such swiftness and deftness, that even close students of magic art have been unable to fathom it. “Jigsaw Masterpieces,” “The Prison Escape,” “A-B-C Mystery Blocks,” “Iron Maiden" and “Magical Surgery" are some of the highlights of Nicola’s new programme. Nicola is supported by a very brilliant cast of capable entertainers, all of them making their first public appearance in this country. Among the outstanding, Nicola mentions Miss Lucila Roberts, a psychic marvel known as “The Girl with the X-ray Eyes,” so penetrating that it is claimed that she can read one’s very thoughts. Al De Clercq. billed as the “Last of the Hollywood Hillbillies” presents the cream of his repertoire. Big Ben, “The Pia Comique,” presented by Sherry and Alf, is without exception the most clever and laughable bit of tomfoolery in the programme, a most distinct departure from anything ever seen in stagecraft and one of the most popular items in the entire programme. Of course, there will be “Dobsky,” as the Nicola show would not be complete without this awkward assistant, but this time the part is played by one of Boadway’s top comedians, Alf. Berg, who is said to keep the programme full of laughs from start to finish. The box plans open on Wednesday next at D.I.C.