OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1446, 10 January 1918, Page 32

OPERA HOUSE.

There is no more agreeable medium for a pleasant evening’s entertainment than vaudeville, and the Messrs. Fuller have excelled themselves this year in providing appetising fare for the holiday crowds. The Opera House has been thronged nightly, and the management report a record Christmas. Miss Ruth Budd —most daring of aerial trapeze artists — was the principal drawing card, her act paling all others of a similar nature into insignificance. The current programme is one that will suit all tastes. Messrs. Rio and Helmar would top any bill with their beautiful posing act, in which they give an exhibition of skill and strength, extraordinary feats being performed

with apparent ease. Mr. Ted MacLean and Miss Genevieve Lee, who have become warm favourites with all in front, are appearing in another of their smart dramatic sketches, “Beyond Price,” the story of a woman’s love and honour keeping interest at the high-water mark. The Griffiths family make good in character songs and choruses, which go with a swing. Mr. Rud Petersen’s popularity is evidenced in the rounds of applause he receives for his welldelivered monologues. A charming newcomer is Miss Marie Bucher, a singer of captivating personality, who gained many admirers from the off set. Mr. Les Bates’ Follies of Pleasure, who are retained for this week, have another avenue for their comedy talent in “Lost in a Harem,” Mr. Les Wharton and Mr. Con Moreni evoking screams of laughter with their experiences in the title role. Miss Madge Moore and Miss Lalie Brooke head the feminine interest as usual, Mr. Arthur Elliott figures in a spirited song “The Sailor Boy,” and the nimble chorus and ballet do their work in tip-top style. To-night (Wed-

nesday) the bill will be augmented by Kelly and Drake, skilled eccentrics in comedy conversations, and by the Du Buvias French posing models, featuring “The Love of Psyche,” “The Fallen Comrade,” “The Rosary,” etc.