"WATCH YOUR STEP!"

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3062, 25 April 1917, Page 6

"WATCH YOUR STEP!"

A REVUE BY AMATEURS

"Watch Your Step," a revue in tire acts. Cast :—

Lady. Angelina Lollipop ..:...... J. Kcan' Lord Luinnie C. B. Throib Harold Herbert Owen Curdeto: Rex Kenneth Mynot Mephistopheles George Tucker Lois ;.... iithel Kae Clotilde Ida Histed Suzette 'Eva Cardston.

The original "Watcli Your Step" was the creation of Irving Berlin, the Anmiean composer and writer of many .v»ty successful rag-time jingles, who had the assistance of some of the brightest people known to Broadway. It achieved a notable success eoine eighteen months ago in New York. The version under; notice is difficult to place, as it ranges' around in the queerest style, without arriving anywhere in particular.' At an early stage the arrival of the familiar old dame, with a putty nose, and a. comedian of sorts, who makes comical' love to her, suggested the idea of a pan- - tomime that had lost its way, and that element cropped up again with the-ap-pearance of a crouching demon with tinfoil eyes, and a rather nice fairy who sang melodiously, hut in between whiles the revue idea held sway, with the usual, concomitants, apparently girls, a dazzling; display of olectric lights, and some,effects. But the Tevue proper depends largely on individual talent, personality, and a quick and lively theatrical sense, in which elements the show was ■ somewhat weak. At the eleventh hour the gentleman who has teen playing --the "dame," was recalled to Auckland, and his place had to bo filled, by Mr. J. Keany, of Wellington, who,under the circumstances, struggled through right manfully. Tho revue nad. .some bright spots in the ballets, notably, the "Spring," "Winter" (on skates), and' the "Rainbow" interludes, the prettyDomain Gardens (Auckland), set with its living statuary, and "Rendezvous" ecena, and "Missouri" song and dance. Some of the lady performers, under skilled direction, would more than pass muster. Miss Ethel Eae, for example, has a pleasing presence, and a musical soprano, with a serviceable trill and top. note. Miss Eva .Cardston, as Suzette, whilst, unmistakably talented, • is somewhat 6elf-conscious. Mr. Chas. Throsby was amusing, but scarcely dapper enough as . the smart irresponsible -Lord Lumnie. Mr.' Owen Cardston was entrusted .with the earlyrfading part of Harold Herbert, who makes love in the hyperbole of tho "Young Ladies' Journal. Mr. Georg*Tucker was Mephistopheles, and Mr. Kenneth Mynott was Rex, the youthful buttons, who finally annexes the affections of tho ■übiquitous Suzetto. Some of, the scenery, notably the black and white Cabaret set, was good. The lighting throughout could be improved. The entertainment, the proceeds ■of which is partly in aid of the' Returned 'Soldiers' Clubs of Auckland and. Wellington, will be repeated this evening.