OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1469, 20 June 1918, Page 34

OPERA HOUSE.

Mr. Tom Haverley and his Irish Players have found their way to the hearts of local amusement lovers, and were mainly responsible for the vigorous demand for seats on Monday night. Their latest farce, “Two Strings to Her Bow,” provided an outlet for Mr. Tom Haverley and Mr. J. P. O’Neil to disport their comedy sense in the roles of Dan Murphy and Mike Casey, respectively, both in love with a widow. The eight Kewpies are a refreshing portion of the company, their animated dancing and singing making them outstanding favourites. The Skipping-Rope ballet was a specially good feature, and their several action choruses made an agreeable supplement to the solos. Mr. Billy Maloney made a hit in a novelty song, “Shadows on the. Blind,” and in a duet with Miss Claire Dloyd, “Circus Day Back Home.” Mr. Reg. Moore scored a success in “Blackeyed Susans,” which was captivatingly illustrated by the Kewpies. Miss Merle Stewart had a taking song in “Wearing of the Green,” and associated with Mr. Reg. Moore was roundly applauded for “Rose of My Heart.” ‘‘Mysterious Moon,” by Misses Claire Dloyd, Merle Stewart, Messrs. Maloney and Moore, was effectively presented and had to be encored. The vaudeville section of the programme was marked by the re-appearance of Vaude and Verne after a long absence. These topical patter artists had an enthusiastic welcome, which they sustained in a new budget of crisp jokes told in their inimitable style. The Maxims, a boy and girl, made their initial bow, and won hearty plaudits for the excellence of their step-dancing. Mr. Syd. Jones and Miss Agnes Raines were; pronounced favourites in their dish of music and nonsense, Mr. Jones scoring heavily in his musical imitations. The Raleighs, in their amusing and dexterous turn, “The Laundry Maid and the Wire Walker,” provided a most pleasing interlude, Mr. Raleigh proving wonderfully expert on the wire. Miss Irene Pearse, the Scottish comedienne, rounded off the bill in her bright offering of song and story. “Murphy’s Night Out” will be the fourth adventure of the Haverleys.