FULLERS' OPERA HOUSE.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18409, 16 June 1925, Page 13

FULLERS' OPERA HOUSE.

* VAUDEVILLE AND REVUE. The announcement (hat the George Storey Revue Company would close their season Rt tho end of the present week and that they would then bo leaving New Zealand for Australia caused >r large crowd of theatregoers to assemble at the Opera House last night to-witness the first night of the final production of that popular and talented company. Trie revue produced for the occasion was "Chase Me," one of tho moic elaborate and consequential of the many Ktt!c musical comedies making; up the company's meat extensive repertoire. The comedy was wellmounted and was presented in no tower than six scenes, each one. containing its lull comp.ement of action, music and fun. Mr (Joorge Storey, the leading comedian Or tho company and the producer of the plays, took a part which, ho sustained and developed to the full extent of his sterling talents, .tie was a comedy chauffeur who changed into other characters as occasion offered, and aa the action of the play required. In one such change, and in a sceru. wiich stood out ■with special -brilliance, he was an alarming station-master of a Buffalo Bill type in control of a London railway flcpot, given over .to Yankee management. This part gavo him a splendid chanw to show his capabilities in burlesque. In ahothor part, quite different in type, he had the house in roars of laughter with his representation of pathetic comedy, quito one of tho most effective kinds when properly done. In the comedy work Mr Storey was ablv assisted by Mr Frank Haining, who, as a flighty old gentleman, excelled in a harem scene and in an Algerian bathing place scene. The revue was 'well stocked with good' musical items, and the leading successes were "Dancing Fco'," by Ada Scaddon, Rich Butler, and Mark Erickson; "More," by oulc;'e Milner. Rich Butler, Fred .Monument - and Mark Erickson, "I Love You," .by Mabelle Morgan .and l«'r&:t Monument"; "Love's a Merchant," bv Mabcllo Morgan: "Sing Along Sambo," by Rich Butler; "I'll sj:ng a Fox Trot," by George Htorey; "Algiers," by Fred Monument; '-'Fate," by MabelJc. Morgan and Fred Monument: and 'Smiles," by" Dulcie Milncr. Th> Super Six Ballet and chorus party performed witli all their customary skill and grace, and a "Dance of the Odalesques" iu tho harem «ceuo, given by these ladies, was a most spectacular affair. In the vaudeville part of the programme the Kentucky Four, a quartet all, with good singing voices, appeared for tho first time. The concerted numbers sung by them wero "Just a Song at Twilight," "Funiculi Funicula/' and lhat sturdy favourite, "It- Ain't Gcnna Rain No Mo." The voices blended well, and tho general effect was most enjoyable. The tenor, who has a remarkably tjood voice, Hang "Lorraine," and the contralto and .baritone gavo a duct, "Sally." The whole turn went splendidly. Miss .Sadi« McDonald, an acrobatic violinist, showed skill in contortion wov.'t, and in violin playing, ar.d greater skill in combining the two and playing the violin while contorting. Mr Krnest Pitcher entertained with a lengthy calendar of quips audi cranks, and by skilful manipulation cf a concertina producsd excellent imitations of ti church organ, church chimes, cloc'.; chimes, and' tits bogpipes. Miss Elsie Videau and Mr "Walter Kirby put on a comedy act, "The Doublo Turn," which was received with high enjoyment. The programme will be repeated to-night.