OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, 19 December 1912, Page 20

OPERA HOUSE.

HIGH-CLASS VAUDEVILLE.

Vaudeville pursues the merry tenor of its way at the Opera House, and its devotees have no cause to complain of the fare provided under the Brennan-Fuller direction. The old time-lionoured circle is missing, •but no one regrets it, for its place for the past twelve weeks has been filled by Huxham’s “Serenaders,” a •coterie of clever musical artistes, who have sung themselves collectively and individually into public favour. Mr Sam La Mert, the talented siffleur; Mr Mark -Phillips, Miss Gertie McLeod, Miss May Scott, Mr Gilbert Laiiri, Miss Edith Huxham, and Mr Leslie comprise the band, and are a distinct credit to the manager, Mr Hugh Huxham. A pretty little Japanese scena was the main feature of their performance on Monday night, and evoked hearty appreciation,... This is the last week of the Serenaders, who can boast a phenomenal season of seventy-eight consecutive performances.

The star item this week is provided by Les Rinchs, who certainly strike the last note in sensations and novel situations. The male member, who is the acme of agility and skill, is supported by a lady who is as dauntless as she is delightful, and en■hances her daring deeds with a piquant personality, while the whole act is leavened with a quiet humour that prevents one’s blood from curdling with horror at their temerity. The Rinchs set the ball rolling by tossing a 501 b weight around, and follow with a, couple of remarkable balancing acts, in which the male performer balances with his feet a plank occupied by ten people. The act culminates in a unique turn by the lady, who balances on her feet a huge wheel, in which six lads are seated, and while in a reclining position raises the weight easily, and sends the wheel revolving at a whirlwind pace. The part the passive performers played, too, assisted in no small way to the general success, and the tornado of applause that followed. Headline honours are shared by the Jourdane Quartette, in their operatic excerpts. “ The Blue Danube,” “Lost Chord,” and “My Hero” were delightfully rendered by them, and in response to clamorous recalls they sang “Annie Laurie” and ■“Funiculi, Funiculi” with equal harmony. They alone make a visit worth while. An amusing .burlesque entitled “Micky Drippen’s Package” gave scope for some good comic business by that clever American pair, Phillips and Merritt, and they were responsible for much merriment. A little lady who received a big ovation on her re-appearance was Miss Pearl Livingstone. She is as bright and vivacious as ever, and infects everyone ■with her gaiety. Her impersonations of popular vaudeville artistes were most cleverly done, every inflection and gesture being faithfully reproduced, and the audience answered with a volley of applause and appreciation. The Harmonious Huxhams agaiq. made good in a military burlesque, which proved a fitting finale to a really excellent entertainment.

Ghristmas attractions will include Eva Mudge (the famous lightning change artiste), Fred Rivenhall, Victor the Great, the Fonte Noys Joys, and the Djelroys.