OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1241, 29 January 1914, Page 34

OPERA HOUSE.

The best all-round vaudeville programme presented in Auckland, is the verdict on the Brennan-Fuller bill-of-fare this week. A packed audience greeted the performers on Monday, and the newcomers received a great ovation, no fewer than six fresh star turns being given. Wilton Welch and Mdlle. Louise Carbasse (who was last in New Zealand with drama) appeared in a humorous original sketch entitled “Y.M.C.A.,” in which a gay old husband and a handsome young wife are featured. With an irresistible frock and a manner to match, Mdlle. Carbasse aided and abetted her clever partner, and the curtain was rung down to hearty laughter. Mdlle. has lost none of her fascination. Miss Dixie Southern evoked a hurricane of applause for her- piquant singing, and after a double encore she responded with a suffragette speech, delivered with characteristic fervour and humour. This vivacious young lady is a tonic in herself. Two champion dancers from America introduced themselves in Leslie and Leslie and gave an exhibition that has not been eclipsed for neatness and celerity. Billed as “the boys who cannot make their feet behave,” they certainly did not belie their title. A few minutes of jollity and novelty were provided by the Kimball Bros., who sang and rag-timed and made jokes at each other’s expense. Largay and Snee were two more new arrivals, offering a musical sketch into which they infused plenty of humour, and met with marked favour. Tom Leonard kept the audience rioting in laughter with his patter and parodies, and was called back repeatedly. Miss Margaret Caraher, Weston and Hill, Little Mollie, Carlton and Sutton, and Delmar and Cassandra, favourites of past weeks, also contributed acceptable items to rousing receptions, while sandwiched in were the masterly turns given by the Rondas trio (expert cyclists) and the Guzmanis (novelty equilibrists). An excellent bill surely, and one that should not be missed.

Mr. Frank Talbot, touring manager, arrived in Auckland on Monday ahead of “Within the Law” Company, and is making arrangements for the opening of the season here. “It has been a tremendous success everywhere,” said Mr. Talbot.