THE OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 852, 5 July 1906, Page 13

THE OPERA HOUSE.

The Opera House was well filled on Monday evening, in spite of the inclement weather, and the programme went with a swing throughout. Mr. Frank Crowther’s orchestra discoursed a lively ovtrture in the form of an American medley, “ Hodge Podge,” and the curtain rose on the company, who gave a good opening chorus. Miss Phyllis Fay, who first took the floor, gave a bright little serio item interspersed with some clever contortion dancing that went well, and which earned her applause and a recall. Mr. Ward Lear proved irresistibly funny with his comic songs and gags, and was warmly applauded for his efforts. Miss Violet Frawley sang a ballad very sweetly, and was called upon for a second song. Miss Kitty Delavale gave two serios very daintily, for which she was ap-

plauded. Mr. Walter Anderson earned applause for his ballad singing. Miss Clara Keating went through her serio turns with plenty of vivacity and expression, and was warmly applauded, and had to answer to several recalls. Mr. Jack Hagan caused plenty of fun with his comic songs, his make-up being very comical, whilst the amount of energy he put into his work was most refreshing. As a corner man Jack Hagan kept things buzzing, and he and Ward Lear were responsible for keeping the house in high good humour through the first half. The Golden Duo danced prettily through their double song and dance, “ Birdie,” for which they received hearty applause, and the curtain fell on the first half of the programme. Mr. Crowther’s orchestra led up to the conclusion of the interval with a bright overture.

and the curtain rose on Lex McLean, whose last two nights were announced. An interesting description of the various muscles of the body and their use was followed by several fine weight-lifting displays, culminating in the poising of the huge barbell at arm’s length overhead with one arm, whilst with the other he raised a 501 b weight. Mr. McLean’s challenge flung from the stage in an offer to meet allcomers for ’£loo was not taken up, though one or two lion-, hearted individuals scoffed from the darkness of the back seats, where, however, they remained firmly rooted. Lex McLean’s exhibition is a clean and healthy one, that appeals strongly to all lovers of athleticism and muscular development. Mr. Walter Anderson, who next appeared, gave two descriptive songs, which

earned considerable applause. Miss Pearl Lovell scored quite a big success with her bright rendering of the serio turns, “ Jack Tar,” “ Bom-Bom Bay,” and “ Dear Little Girls and Boys.” Her songs were given with much expression and vivacity, and she quite wins the audience over. The Bovis Brothers prove fairly irresistible in their patter work, and on Monday evening kept the house in roars of laughter from start to finish. A vociferous demand from the audience brought them forward twice after their turn, and they were not allowed to leave until the great boxing act had once more convulsed the house with merriment. Their patter work is excellent, the running fire of comicalities being carried up to a fine climax, which quite carries away the audience.’ Mr. Jack Hagan was very funny in his song, “ But then

you know, you never know,” his make-up, aided by his clever interpretation of the song, being very good. His other two songs were alike well rendered, his style proving most catchy. The Golden Duo next gave a particularly dainty little song and dance, ‘ “Daisy and the Dandelion,” which they acted very prettily, and for which they were warmly applauded. The evening’s entertainment finished with , a comedietta by Ward Lear, Jack Hagan and others, entitled, “ The Coming Man,” which finished off a fine programme. For Saturday next Mr. Fuller announces the first appearance of “ The Brady Sisters,” vocalists and duettists, Miss Elsie Bates, serio and dancer, Master Mudford, who is described as Auckland’s greatest boy vocalist, and several others.