THE OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 884, 14 February 1907, Page 16

THE OPERA HOUSE.

FULLER’S ENTERTAINERS.

An excellent programme is being presented at the Opera House this week. The song cycle which constitutes the first part is made up by attractive items of special merit. Miss May W r allace is making her first appearance, and creates a very favourable impression, her serio singing and step-dancing being clever. Mr. A. L. Gropp, though obviously suffering from a cold, is nevertheless appreciated, and his singing of “ The Mighty Deep” was, as all h's contributions are, a very acceptable item. Miss Beattie Macdonald sang a charming little song, entitled “ I’d Like to Call You Sweetheart,” for which she was encored again and again. Mr. Sam Wilson’s popularity never wanes; the audience is always heartily glad to see him, and it is doubtful if there has ever been a more genuinely established favourite before Auckland playgoers. His jokes are mainly original, and he possesses a quaint drollery which never grows monotonous. “ Just a Little Bit of Sugarcane,” was prettily sung by pretty little Eileen McLeod, who has, by her winsome ways, won a place in the hearts of Opera House habituees. Miss Florrie Leigh always chooses songs which become popular with the

audience, and 'her items are always sure of a good reception. “ Somewhere” was a pretty little ballad, sung by Miss Ruble Illingworth. Mr. Harry Linden really is funny. ' There’s as much difference ’’ between genuine comedy and shouting a comic song, as there is between chalk and cheese; Mr. Linden is a comedian of some ability, and is likely to enjoy a successful season at the Opera House. The Four Rosebuds continue to high kick and sing, creating a furore each evening. “ Lovely Girls,” however, is a song into which a little more vivacity might be infused. Miss Ida Berridge is a bright little artist, and her singing of “ Kiss all the Girls,” “ Come and Make Love,” and “He Kissed I Once” was excellent. “ Packing Up” is the talk of the town. It is a really clever sketch, and a cut above the ordinary. This fact, combined with the superior talent engaged in presenting it, makes “ Packing Up” one of the most delightful comedies ever produced in Auckland. Mr. Fred. H. Graham, as John Chugwater, plays the part of the irascible hubby, and Miss Nellie Dent that of the patient partner of his joys and sorrows. The scene presented is one Of confusion, the time being the morning of their departure for a holiday Chugwater has spent rather a bad night of it, and makes things lively next morning. The sketch simply reeks with humour, and from the time the unhappy lord and master takes a lump out of himself during the process of shaving until he finally makes his exit in his pyjamas, a dilemma he is placed in through having packed up his trousers and sent them on to the station, the audience knows no peace, but rocks in the arms of incessant laughter. A feature that is missed, however, is the musical element. Master Norman Mudford is back again. The voice of Auckland’s boy vocalist has. lost none of its mellowness, and “My Nellie Darling” and “ Believe” were most enjoyable contributions. Mr. Slade Murray, the comedy vocalist, appeared in several gems from his original repertoire, including “Mr. Brown of the Crown” “ Gather Round Me,” and “ The Shipwreck.” Next Saturday see some important changes.