"PUSS-IN-BOOTS."

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1769, 6 June 1913, Page 6

"PUSS-IN-BOOTS."

A RACY PANTOMIME. "I'liss-in-Hootf." a pantomimo two ncls by .1. Hickory Wood mid J:'niult Jlix. (.Visl— Klin: Omlibuß "I'lP" r pf rc " miDii liumplilr. Vernon llavklson IliiiU'cn * red I-eiilio Hlylwoln „0- \ If'""" 1 Jtimtillli Stewart Owner Tho lloreo 11-J-rt mid VJr'liltmorc Vvthi I'. Hunks Kupert »&rrell UiuiMi Hhorl.ly Ueorße Miller i>llvtllH l'" t3on l'Vilini/' Dorothy Fiririin jjVrilhy itliu JiellM 'J'ho fiplrit of tho Drama ... NellJo Leslie (julin Violet Loraine To paraphrase a very ancient saw pantomimo comes but once a yoar and when it comes it brings a considerable amount of theatrical cheer. That indeed is tho very least that can bo. tmid of J. C. Williamson, LUl.'s, offering of "Puss-in-llfiots," which was presented at tho Opera Uoiiso lost evening before an audience which liixcil tho seating capacity of tho theatre. Although tho blase theatre-goer may say that modern pantomime is mere froth and frivol, it is always noted that ho never fails to attend, and if ho is uiii'cfully watched will bo found showing the keenest appreciation of the clever frivolity with which each pantomime is invested. Tlio pantomime is unconsciously reminiscent of the first great joy attendant upon our initial introduction to the theatre, tho glamour of which dies so hard that playgoers of sixty can find almost as much plcasuro as thoso of six. That is certainly tho case with "Puss-in-lloots," which, apart from thoso sccncs of dazr.ling splendour, which, alas, only exist in fairy tales and pantomime, is abundantly provided with nonsensical humour which keeps tho audience rocking with laughter. This, thanks to a quartet of > competent comedians, who manage between them to keep tho fun moving throughout tho long evening. These worthy exponents of burlesque comedy are Messrs. "Pip" Powell, George Miller, Fred. Leslie, and 0. E. Lennon, representing probably tho strongest four of the class yet seen in the ono' pantomime in this ,city. Another feature which quickly matches the car is tho number of lively rag-time melodies that have bcein, introduced into tho music ecore, marking tho popularity of a passing phaso of the lighter and brighter order of music-hall music. It is useless to try and avoid the "catch" of rag-time. Sconically "Piiss-iil-Boots" compares very favourably with its predecessors. The clever brush of Mr. W. E. Coleman is in evidence in the "Goldon Orchard/' tho glittering palac® of tho Fairy Felina. the hayfield, with its cool, shaded woodland, awl finally in the Court of King Cat. ifteasrs. Geo. Upward and W. Coleman* jun., are also represented ra some of tho scenes of lessor splendour. In "Buss-in-Boots" can he traced tho old nursery story which has held up so bravely against tlio ravages of time. Oolin. the miller's youngest s">n,_ is turned adrift by his grasping elder brother, and, accompanied by faithful Sly-boots, seeks fame and fortune in strange places, when he encounters a dreadfuL ogre,. and the altogether delightful Fairy I'olina. whose power and favour are extended, to tho wanderer, and his felino friend. With great oeromony Sly-boots is presented with a pair of magic top-boots, which endow him with tho gift of speech, and assist him materially to settle the ogre, and endow his young master with wealth untold. There, too, it is discovered that Dame Shortly's beautiful charge Phyllis (Colin's lover) is.no other than a lost Princess, which is quite a right and proper thing for the happiness of everyone eonccrned. Incidental to tho story aro that dear homely, 6tub-nosed Damo Shortly, King Grabbus, a masquerading gipsy, who wins tho matured fancy of the l)ame, Mugglcs, tho jilted l miller, an army of pretty girls, and fairies galore, all part and parcel of a good entertainment. '

An outstandingly good performance is that Sir. 0. 10. Leunon as Slyboota a squint-eyed feline of the tortoise-shell variety, and the hero of many battles on the tiles. In his eontortionistic gambolling. his soft, insinuating ways, and his intelligible mewings, Mr. Lennon was ridiculously cat-like, and through all his ,work there was a delightfully quaint humour, that never miscarried. Miss Violet Loraino made a handsome, sprightly Colin, of graoeful movement and bearing. Her songs were "There's Someone," "Somothing in tho Seaside Air," and "When the Brass Band Plays." The lattor song was accompanied by a capitally arranged parade of cadets. Damo Shortly was most effectively played by Mr. George Miller, who makes tho old foster mother of foundlings a delightful old party. Mr. Miller exudes humour in his own quaint way. and his performance was a good piece of legitimate work. Of tho hustling, breezy, dapper typo of comedian, Mr. "Pip" Powell is an excellent example, and ho made things literally hum with- every appearance. He quito hit tho fancy of the audience in "If We All Went Out On Strike" and with others, in "Keep Tour Foot on the Soft Pedal." Mr. Frod. Leslio- was Mugzlcs and many other things throughout tho evening, and mado good with his broad humour and clever dancing. He was associated with. Miss' Ivy Schilling in a ballet, entitled "Tho Pierrot's Wooing," a pretty fancy with some ingenious effects and original dancing. The pair were also associated, in a pay hunting ballet, "A Modern Diana. The dancing throughout was quito excellent, thanks to the lively invention and able tuition of Miss Jlinnio Everett. Miss Dorothy Pirmin appeared to advantage as tho Fairy Felina, and in the ballad "My Heart is With You Tonight" showed that she is tho possessor of a pretty soprano voico. Tho pantomime novelties include two remarkably good specialty acts. The Gaudsmidts, two German comedy acrobats and their dogs give an amazingly clover acrobatic performance, in which a couple of highly-trained dogs v participate with yelps of enthusiasm. Their ground and Ififty tumbling is. about as clean and finished as has been seen in these parts, and thero was no mistaking the impression the turn created. Collins and Hart are burlesque acrobats, who do the impossible in a manner that creates shrieks of laughter. Everything they do is pure "fake," but the manner is riotously funny. "Puss-in-Boots" was produced by Mr. Frank Dix. with Mr. J. Whitfield as stage manager. Mr. Fred. Quintrell commands the orchestral forces capably. The pantomime will be produced until further notice. A matinco performance is due to-morrow afternoon.