OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1398, 8 February 1917, Page 34

OPERA HOUSE.

Comedy plays a large part in the programme submitted at the Opera House th s week, and Monday’s audience set the seal of approval on the .ew bi.i. Blake and Granby introduced themselves as top-notch sketch artists in an amusing domest.c playlet m which a giddy Lothario of a husband is foiled by his wife in spite of his “system” of evading her vig - iance. In an original skech entitled In Society’ Miss L.lyan Mason, with an engaging charm of manner, con nrmect the excellent impress.on she made last week of hei’ work as a comed.enne, and was ably supported by her colleague, M ss Helen Le Cain who set off her soprano songs With smart frocking. Miss Jeannie Mcßae made a first appeal an<_e, s nging usher and Scotch songs in character and makmg her biggest appeal with “ Ihe Long, Long TraL,” in the chorus of which she induced the audience to lustily jo.n. Another taking singer appeared in Miss Marjorie Alwyn, a good contralto voice be.ng used to pmasing effect in a couple of ba lads Leonard Nelson, in accordance with his usual custom, was a regular riot, introducing several new characteristic songs and causing a furore wth his world-wide success “Mr. Booze.’ To stem the clamour and in response to special requests he was obliged to give the cockney lament “When are You Going Away.” No less popular was Phil Percival in his pianologues and breezy burlesque sketch, the warmth of his reception testifying to his many friends all over the house. The thrills of the bill were supplied by the two Arleys in their astounding feats on poles, and by the Elmars in their graceful athlet e turn, both acts meeting with hearty plaudits. Winifred and Lumley gave a good account of themselves in cheerful song and

patter, a play on song titles being clever.y conceived and evoking bursts of laughter Merlyn, the magician who works on lines of his own with his unexpected exposures, was responsible for a novel turn in which he was assisted by his inscrutable partner, Archibald. Va ua le aid was given by Mr. E. J. Burke’s orchestra.

ment and his tope are entrancing. The manner in which he manages octaves, creating an almost simultaneous effect, as though two instruments were playing, is truly astonishing, and he can imitate the moaning of the wind among trees and. the screech of a gale. ’ The “Press”: “Miss Treweek, soprano, proved her-