THE TIVOLI FOLLIES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2518, 20 July 1915, Page 2

THE TIVOLI FOLLIES

A BAND OP CLEVER PEOPLE

Frivolity held high court last evening at the Grand Opera House, when Richards' 'l'ivoli Follies made their first appearance in 'Wellington. Maybe the form of entertainment lurnished by tlio Follies is the result of a world-wide trend which' lias as its supports a tasto for giddy irresponsibility, the daring of a Dardanelles hero, a bunch of attractive girls, and a band. Mix them well together and you have what the management calls a "revue." While it reviews nothing in particular it is vastly entertaining, particularly when such an excellent if somewhat exuberant comedian as Mr. Jack Cannot is given tho length of rope he desires. Mr. Cannot has no complaints to make in that regard, and whilst he is in parts extremely funny, at others he stretches tho rope quite .taut. And what a- good comedian ho is. There are comedians who cannot talk asides to au audience without giving offence. With Jack Cannot it comes quite naturally to the accompaniment of gurgling laughter, as was the case in "Gilbert the Filbert," in which he poses as "the colonel of the knuts." In "A AVee Australian Lassie" (written and composed by himself) ho showed what a sterling artist he is in legitimate comic song, and, by tlio way, by a fine, robust tenor voice ho secrctes under the motley. He was screamingly funny in tho burlesque of "Bought and Paid For," the point of which would have been more apparent- had wo seen the play, and in fooling at the piano with Isabelle D'Armond, he was all satisfying. But Tho Follies is not all Jack Cannot. It bristles with good performers wido and varied in their talents. Miss Vera Pearee is one of tho hardest worked of the merrymakers. Her voice and style mako no distinct appeal, but one must admiro tho energy she puts into everything. Miss l'earce sings "By tlio Sea," with a lot of bathing girls and a bobbing sheet to simulate an illusion that is not. With Mr. Frank Greene sho warbles tho love duet "Spark of Lovo," and again plays upon the same deathless themo (with the same partner), in "Falling in Love." Attired like Rosalind astray in tho forest of Arden, sho sang of "Omar Khayyam," entering the caravanserai from the back of the stalls with tho ladies of the harem, and proceeding through tho audience to a platform which helps to conceal tlio members of the orchestra. Then Miss Pearce danced 'with Yaklovlenko (to the music of Dvorak's "Humoreske") and sang other songs with the same tireless zest. This Yaklovlenko is a-dancer of parts. Blesscfl with a splendid physique and a line technical equipment, he represents the classic Russian school of dancing introduced by tho god-like Volinin, who was here with Genoe and Halina Schmoltz. The new dancer is clean, graceful, and subtle. Whilst he danced a stately "stage" minuet with all tho virtues, he was positively elcctrical in the twirlings and twistings which-are so characteristic <of the Slav in a playful mood. Yaklovlenko was received with delight ■ and taken to the heart of tho audience. Another capital trio comprised "Alvaretto, Rego, and Stoppit," three wildly comic acrobats. - Occasionally we get two acrobats and ono funny man, but here aro threo first-flight tumblers, and tlioy are all funny. Their weird wordless noises as tlioy revolve on their own or someone else's ear keep the audience giggling between spasms of wonder. Most amusing, too, is the trio ill a sketch in which- they mimic a comic boxing contest. Miss Isabella D'Armond, billed as "the red-haired queen of comedy," was a good deal in evidence. She was associated in a mock-drama interlude with Mr. Cannot, duetted with the same person at the piano, and recited the Italian dialect monologue, -"My,: Rosa," passably. Little Jean Keith did a swan dance,delightfully, and also danced- a Highland FJing with sprightly grace. Oil the sober side of this diverting show the public have to reckon with an artist in Mr. Robert Parker, whose timeis usually occupied in the solemn contemplation of Wagnerian opera, he having been associated with the Quinlan Opera Company during its visit to Australia two years ago and previously to .that in England. Mr. Parker has a magnificent- voice for heavy work, fullbodied, resonant in the upper register, and always under complete control. His enunciation is impeccable, and his breath control Temarkable, but his tone cannot bo described as musically beautiful. Mr. Parker sang tho toreador's song from "Carmen," tho ballad "Because" (in which he laboured over much), and' to the delight of many, "Off to Philadelphia," which he voiced with great gusto. Ho was accompanied by Mr. Frank St. 1.-egcr. Another talented performer was Alfredo, a clever violinist, with , a slightly magnetic personality and a command of a whole hatbox of violin tricks. His contributions included the eternal "Intermezzo" from "Cavalleria Ilusticana," the "Mocking Bird" with variations, "Tipperary," some ragtimo and Scotch ballads. • Taking it full and big this company provides .an entertainment not to be missed by lovers of vaudeville.