OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1403, 15 March 1917, Page 34

OPERA HOUSE.

Mr. Bert La Blanc’s merry band has caught the vaudeville taste to a nicety, and laughter is the regular order of things all through the second half of the programme. “The Gay Mrs. Cohn” was the title of the musical trifle offered on Monday, and the

piece went with a swing from start to finish, principals and subord.nates working hard to the general success. Mr. La Blanc saw to it that there was never a dull moment while he held the stage, and his abettor, Mr. Jake Mack, did his part to uphold the merriment, their gladiator absurdity sending the audience into convulsions. Several attractive ballets, led by Miss Nellie Fallon and Mr. Durham Marcel, were interpolated, the most pleasing being “Watching the Boats Come In” and “Just Bring Tulips Along.” Mr. Carlton Chase shone to advantage in “I’m a Long Way From Tipperary,” in which he had the assistance of a captivating ballet, another of his vocal successes being a military song delivered in impressive style. Miss Maud Miles had a couple of sprightly songs, her best being “My Little Hong Kong Baby,” which was supplemented with a da'nty chorus. Ensembles and selections by the New York quartette added to the brightness and variety

cf the production. Top-lining the frst portion of the evening was Miss Maud Fanning, who has returned after a long absence more vivacious than ever, and had an enthusiastic reception for her lively coon songs and exposition of a Maori haka. Her turn was fruther built up by the dancing and singing of the three Elliot sisters, who proved they inherited their mother’s skill in entertaining an audience, while the appearance of a fourth diminutive member of the family was the signal for a hurricane of applause. The De Bakers caugnt the eye with their artistic statuary poses, which included representations of “The Awakening of Galatea,” “Harmony,” “Truth,” “In Spite of All,” “Forward,” and “Farewell.” Baroen and Rosetti elicited well-deserved appreciation for their ’cello and vocal selections respectively. Brull and Hemsley’s musical and dance sketch again gained generous approval. Owing to the late arrival of the

Sydney boat, “Les Grohs,” acrobats extraord.nary, were not able to appear till the following evening. This is one of the most expensive acts yet engaged by Mr. Ben. J. Fuller, and is said to be even more marvellous than that given by the wonderful Manchurians. So amazing are the contortions of the performers that medical men have been astounded.