THE “KIWIS” IN “MAADI GRAS”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 301, 21 December 1945, Page 3

THE “KIWIS” IN “MAADI GRAS”

FAST-MOVING REVUE

For more than two hours a large audience was entertained in the Opera House last night by the Kiwi Concert Party, when it staged its fast-moving revue, “Maadi Gras.”

The show went with a snap from start to finish, with sparkling wit and colourful song. Perhaps one of the most popular items was the selection “Songs of the Emerald Isle,” featuring John Hunt and Bill Bain, who were two most realistic Irish Colleens. The mournful comedian, Dick Morcroft, was at his best and formed a sharp contrast to the rapid-fire wisecracks of Eddie Hegan. The two vocalists, Taffy Owen (baritone) and Lionel Bailley (tenor) gave particularly good renditions of “Old Man River,” “A Pair of Sparkling Eyes,” and “Charmain.” The masterlv hand of the musical director, Art Rosoman, was discernible in some new and unusual arrangements of popular songs that the band presented. Most unusual and tuneful wa his arrangement of “Mexican Hot Dance.” John Hunter’s operatic dance to Billv Mayerl’s “Marigold” was well received. Ono of the most humorous items was Bill Bain’s impersonations of the swivel-pitied South American comedienne Carmen •Tlrarida. The Kiwis give there final performance to-nipit, when there will be a complete change of nnrramme.