OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1365, 22 June 1916, Page 32

OPERA HOUSE.

On Monday night a full house greeted the performance at the Opera House, when a splendid programme, comprising several new turns, was submitted. A most novel and interesting performance was that of Cheebert’s Marvellous Manchurians, a group of five men who are acrobats and jugglers of world-wide fame. Their feats are positively hair-raising. At one time you see them hanging by their queues several feet above the stage, and while in mid-air quite unperturbed they support a table and partake of light refreshment. After twisting their bodies into the weird-

est contortions, they spring upon one another with the grace and ease of a cat, and balance spinning plates on canes while forming a tower of humanity. Their garments are another interesting feature. They first appear in marvellously embroidered robes and then in gorgeous tangerene brocade most artistically fashioned and faced with wide bands of black satin. Another unique turn was that of the whirlwind McLeans, who first give the impression of two very dainty dancers, and in a short time almost take one’s breath away by the manner in which they whirl about, sometimes in mid-rair, sometimes on their feet, and then seemingly on their heads. Miss Decima’s appearance is most bewitching, and her thatch of glorious auburn hair adds yet another startling note to a sensational entertainment. Nina Alix, the clever copiedienne, looking very smart and trim, gave very clever impersonations of a French actress and of the typical man who carries a cane. Both were per-

formed with great gusto and vim, and secured much applause. The Lampinis Brothers are jugglers and comedians who give a most diverting and original turn. Alsace and Lorraine are artists of a type one seldom sees on the vaudeville stage. Alsace is a musician of great merit, and his violin solo was remarkable for the quality of tone and the vitality and life be got from his instrument. He also has a most pleasing voice which he uses to great advantage, while his partner is an artist of undoubted talent. Her flute playing was beautifully clear and sweet, and as a Highlander ,fn her fascinating kilt she played the bagpipes with great effect and received loud applause. In accompanying Alsace in his marvellous performance on the Alsacephone, which so closely resembles the human voice, she showed herself to 1 e a most versatile artist. Dan Thomas scored another big success and evoked roars of laughter. During his singing of “When the Boys Come Marching Home” coin again rolled on to the stage, which would considerably add to the sum of £2O which he gained last week. The four Kings, clever child acrobats and singers, gave a very clever performance, and Vernon and Reed performed a novel dancing turn. After a series of eccentric stepdances, the man, who does some won-

derful balancing feats, dances with great precision on his hands. Vai and Lottie Newman appear in a new sketch, and are as amusing as ever, and the Raleighs again made “Fun in a Back Yard.”