OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1413, 24 May 1917, Page 32

OPERA HOUSE.

An attractive bill, seasoned with variety, was presented to a demonstrative audience at the Opera House on Monday night. Principal honours easily fell to Signor Antonio Molinari, an operatic tenor, who made his first appearance, and created a decided furore with the beauty of his voice and his expressive delivery. Open ng with a stirring rendering of “Let Me Like a Soldier Fall,” he followed it up with a brilliant operatic excerpt, and in response to spontaneous and prolonged applause gave a rousing interpretation of the “Marseillaise.” His singing provided rare enjoyment for all sections of the house, even a number of unruly gallery boys, who had made themselves in noisy evidence during the evening, quietening down under the magic of his notes. Miss Kitty Checkitt, the sweet-voiced soprano, who has sung herself into popular favour on previous occasions, made her re appearance, and won unstinted applause for her ballads. Fur-

ther interest attaches itself to Miss Checkitt in the fact that she is now Mrs. Molinari, her marriage having recently taken place in Australia. Mr. Arthur Croxon, an English comedian, who attained prominence on the famous Stoll circuit, made a direct hit with his character songs and apt stories, delivered in inimitable style. In response to vociferous recalls, Mr. Croxon gave a tongue-twisting parody on “Sister Susie,” which caught on readily. The Cavana Duo had an enthusiastic reception for their slackwire and comedy act, the lady member adding charm with her harp playing. The Tutties —Ted and Kitty—had a warm welcome after some years’ absence, Ted’s sallies and comical - business provoking much hearty laughter. Sterling and Love again scored quickly and merrily with their vocal and instrumental medley and its novel dashes of comedy. Tilton and West made good in their vaudeville tit-bits, which included harmony lightened with comedy. Miss Violet Trevenyon and her dainty songs went bigger than ever; Mr. De Alma was greeted with

enthusiastic applause for his banjo selections (Miss Stafford supplementing the turn with songs), and change was given to the bill by Mr. Huntly Spencer (American coloured tenor), and Mr. Chas. Edenbury (equilibrist). On Tuesday night the dress circle was occupied by a theatre party organised by the Farmers’ Union Conference. As a special draw the marvellous Les Grohs were to appear for the occasion.