OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1459, 11 April 1918, Page 32

OPERA HOUSE.

SERGEANT COPELAND AND THE KID. The sway of vaudeville cannot be gainsaid, and the Opera House sees its old familiar patrons at every change of programme. It is not the easiest thing in the world at the present time to secure uncommon turns, but there is one on this week’s bill that stands by itself. It is supplied by Sergeant Copeland and the Kid and is as neat an exposition of telepathy as one could wish The Kid is barely eight years of age, and nothing is too hard for him to accomplish in the way of a test. He sits on the stage blindfolded, while his father, also blindfolded, walks amongst the audience and handles various articles —watches, coins, inscribed medals, tie-pins. pocketbooks —which the Kid accurately describes. There is no possible communication between the two, as in some instances Sergeant Copeland does not speak at all, yet the boy minutely describes them, giving particular details of their appearance and even giving names and dates inscribed inside watches and purses. The Kid’s amazing qualities are fur-

ther demonstrated in a remarkable test with figures, the whole exhibition being uncanny in the extreme. The Kennedy Trio —Lance (flute), Laurie (’cello), and Miss Doy Adelle (piano)—captivate everyone with their delightful act, these artists proving their worth in interpreting classical numbers. It is a high-class act that gets over well, and is a testimony to the up-grade of vaudeville. McKay and Graham, vocalists, also share this distinction, their songs being well chosen and rendered in exceptional manner. Kelly and Drake are a 'fillip to any bill and meet with an enthusiastic reception for their joint offering of song and patter, the man bringing down the house with his grotesque dancing. Mr. Ted MacLean and Miss Genevieve Lee are scoring again in an original sketch by the appealing name of “Oootsey,” which gives scope for the dramatic abilities of both. Mr. Clarence Crawford and his xylophone selections add welcome variety to the vaudeville section. The second half of the entertainment is provided by the Paul Stanhope Revue Company in one of their merriest frivols, entit’ed “Topsy-

Turvey,” which gives abundant opportunity for comedy, ballets and songs. This is the last week of the Ginger Girls, the Grafters’ 'Quartette, Mr. Paul Stanhope, Mr. Vai Newman, Mr. Will Raynor, Miss Helen Le Cain, Miss Lottie Newman, and Miss Edna McCall.