OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1434, 18 October 1917, Page 32

OPERA HOUSE.

“THE MANLESS ISLE.” The Walter Johnson Revue Company have settled down to a good run in Auckland, vaudeville patrons recognising they cannot find a happier medium for light diversion. The fourth production was given on Monday night to a large audience, “The Manless Isle” serv.ng as a substantial prop to support a pot-pourri of melody and frivol, backed up with ballets and choruses. The setting has a Chinese flavour, and as the Queen had issued a mandate that all the pretty girls must marry the ugliest men, the situations from a comedy po.nt of view may be imagined. IVLss Lola Hunt concealed her attract.ve personality in the guise of the repulsive-looking queen “Fun Fun,” and caused much hilarity when her own choice of a husband fell on a hapless shipwrecked sailor named M.ke Maginnis. Mr. Harry Burgess as the latter convulsed the audience with his lud.crous makeup, and Mr. Gus Franks as Spike Cohen, a mate of Maginnis’, kepi the ball of merriment rolling steadily. Mr. Walter Johnson, as the captain, took command of the humorous situat.ons, his telepathet'.c demonstration .n conjunction with Mr. Franks being an amusing piece of burlesque work. Miss Lydia Carne captivated everyone with her charm of manner, and had a great ovation for her dainty dance, “Ching-a-L:ng,” in which she was ably partnered with Mr. Ernest Lashbrcoke. “Everybody’s Dippy” was another of Miss Carne’s successes, a l.ve’.y chorus adding to the effect. Mr. George Taylor and Miss Naomi McQuoin, who have recently joined the company, gave much pleasure with their tasteful rendering of “To Mandalay,” and also proved the'.r value in the respective characters of the Imperial Adviser and his daughter. The two Starrs made a big hit wdh their “Chinese Fandango” interlude, and the finale, “America, I Love You,” made a striking tableau. The first half of the programme consisted of all-star acts. The Royle

Trio re-appeared after a successful season in the south, and had an enthusiastic reception from old friends in front. Expert dancers, they presented an act expressive of the artistry of motion, dainty Miss Royle, besides giving classical expositions, joining in with her nimble male partners in simultaneous step-dances. Rose and Dell, acrobats, cyclists and humorists, also re-appeared, and earned tremendous applause for their clever work. Charlene and Charlene, in their juggling, comedy and musical act, would alone make a visit worth while, and they were again accorded an enthusiastic reception. Clivalli and his intelligent dog Sport rounded off a first-class bill.