Page 13 Advertisements Column 1

Press, Volume C, Issue 29513, 13 May 1961, Page 13

Spectacular Stage Vaudeville Overshadows TV ■ ■ On Easter Saturday, Auckland was the setting for two epoch-making events in New Zealand entertainment history—the introduction of the first full-scale stage vaudeville spectacular since the war, with a huge cast and sensational acts from the four corners of the world—Harry Wren’s ‘‘Many Happy Returns,” and the opening of the first commercial television programmes. Here is the report of the entertainment critic of the New Zealand Herald next day:— ZESTFUL VAUDEVILLE DELIGHTS CROWD Vaudeville is still the best entertainment in town in spite of television, marathon movies and rock-‘n’-roll singers. The crowd that packed the Playhouse Theatre in Auck- Those in theatrical cirland on Saturday night for not surprised at the the overseas musical revue popularity with the public “ Many Happy Returns ” ap- of “ Many Happy Returns,” plauded loud and long after as ibis show has enjoyed ■ every act on the three-hour tremendous success already bill. in the capital cities of Australia, due chiefly to the seaGladys Moncrieff, back sational nature of the con tin - again for one final fling, ental acts, the great appeal earned a star's ovation from of the stars, beaded by Gladys her loyal fans for a bracket Moncrieff, and the magai-j of songs from the light tude of the stage operas. together with the breatbtakw i.: . . '“8 costumes. Hard-Working Veterans There were other hard- Not the least of the surworking veterans Johnny prises j g the chorus, fresh, Howard, comedian John talented and beautifully O’Dowd and roller-skaters dressed by Miss Sheila William and Shand but Cruze and Miss Jessie Laws., the brightest stars in “ Many The producer, Mr Harryi Happy Returns ” were the Wren, has enjoyed a run of new generation of enter- recent successes with show* tainers. j n Australia and New ZeaJ The Trio Hogana, reputed- * an<l ' ly the highest paid act in . Lavish Settings the show, does a triple spin Some of the profits from] off a slack wire that would these ventures look as if thejj make any theatrical producer in “ Many Happy Returns ’ reach for a contract. Three have been put to good usa young Swedes brimful of vit- judging by the lavish and] amins, the Hogans are a imaginative stage settings.] pleasure to watch, spinning, More will be heard of Mn or otherwise. Wren and vaudeville. 68 In Show Talented Dancers Three overseas liners—the Montego, a young German “ Arcades,” “ Wanganella," juggler, the Rivieras, a and ” Castel Felice,” and French Apache team, and the TEAL aircraft were necasFlat Tops (two Australian sary to transport the cast.i lads with a comic singing technicians, orchestra, and act) all starred in this sur- scenic effects and wardrobe prisingly zestful show. to New Zealand. CHRISTCHURCH TO SEE IT LN ITS IMMENSE ENTIRETY The Queen's Birthday Week-end this year will have added significant as a holiday when ‘‘Many Happy Returns” opens its season on Saturday, June 3rd at the beautiful Majestic Theatre—on stage. There will be Matinees on both the opening Saturday and the holiday Monday, in addition to the evening performances. MAIL BOOKINGS NOW OPEN Write to the D.I.C. Booking Office, Christchurch, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope and 23/inclusive for each seat. —P.B.A.