OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1508, 20 March 1919, Page 34

OPERA HOUSE.

The Al Bruce Revue Company presented their farewell offering, “The King of Patagonia,” to a large audience at the Opera House on Monday night. Mr. Bruce in one of his most grotesque impersonations created shrieks of laughter with his droll antics and oddities of dress, while his drill sketch with three recruits was ludicrously funny. Miss Mabelle Morgan was the illuminating factor as usual with her breezy presence and fine singing, “Lolita” being charmingly vocalised. Miss Letty Craydon had a taking solo in “My Fox-trot Girl,” assisted by the Rosebuds, who were gaily in evidence in several ballets. Mr. Raymond was good in “Can’t You Hear Me Callin’,” in which the Rosebuds backed him up effectively. Miss Flo Fanning was amusing in one of her special characterisations. The vaudeville section was comprised principally of first-class musical items. Pollard and Jackson were deservedly popular in a new programme, which

included “Annie Laurie,” sympathetically sung by Mr. Jackson, and operatic solos by Miss Pollard, in addition to duets. Miss Bessie Lester, the live-wire American, rapidly got on terms with those in front with her original deliveries of song and anecdote. Romaine delighted everyone with his superb art on the violin, and Murfayne, xylophone genius, was accorded a hearty reception on his reappearance. Ray and Gray proved very acceptable in a combined song and dialogue medley.