“Calling All Stars”

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 40, 17 February 1937, Page 6

“Calling All Stars”

CONNORS AND PAUL REVUE PROVES POPULAR Presenting once again to the public of Palmerston North a number of favourites of the stage, the Mike Connors and Queenie Paul revue staged in the Opera House last night was a definite success, and a large audience left no room for doubt as to its approbation of the programme offered. With such acclaimed artists as Connors and Paul themselves, George Wallace, “the boy who has made millions laugh, ” Minnie Love, Nellie Kolle, and others, tho company had no dearth of talent. Supported by an adequate ballet and a number of variety artists of the first rank, the principals staged an exceptionally bright show. The overture was followed by n scintillating chorus, “Broadway Rhythm,” staged with great effective ness, and immediately after George Wallace, Mike Connors and Queenie Paul staged a diverting sketch. Something new in tap dancing was contributed by Rex and Bessie, who had an excellent reception. George Wallace had the honours of a clowning parade ground sketch, and then came an invigorating and picturesque display of Tyrolean dancing by Delaney and Butt, masters of their art. “Short stories from Life” was the caption for two sketches by George Wallace, Lulla Fanning, Laurel Streeter and Will Miller, and the type of humour made an inevitable appeal. Queenio Paul was heard to advantage in a well-delivered vocal number, with the Sunkist ballet artistically in support. Miss Minnie Love, the popular musical comedy star, roused great enthusiasm, and scarcely less popular was tho saxophone number by Jimmy Coates. Leo Trenette’s commanding tenor voice was heard to advantage, while George Wallace, Miko Connors, Lulla Fanning and others contributed several more lightning sketches, including “Repartee,” “Ben Knows” and “Haven’t I Met You Before?” The first half concluded with a company number well executed, “Tony’s Joint.” Miss Nellio Kolle, with her inimitable character songs, was acclaimed for her appearance in tho second half of the programme; her “Sunshine and Rain” was particularly effective. A brilliant study in silhouettes was given by the Russell brothers, whose acrobatics were skilful to a degree. Mike Connors and Queenie Paul, the universal favourites, contributed a most popular number. Once again the comedy element was of a high order, with George Wallace clowning his way through sketch upon sketch with amaz ing versatility. Mike Connors and Will Miller were his inveterate associates. “The Magic Hat,” “Homo Truths” and “The Bulgarian Trio” were the highlights. “Dancing Cheek to Cheek” was a striking triumph for the ballet, whoso costumes in duo gave a new interpretation to the popular song. The ingenious designing was made the more effective by really clever dancing. There were genuine regrets when the show ended with a rousing finale which emphasised that once again a colourful revuo in the Connors and Paul tradition had come and gone. However, there are further opportunities for seeing the company. It was announced that they would play again to-night and to-morrow night, and an entirely new programme is promised for each night. This will be the last occasion that George Wallace will be seen on the New Zealand stage at least for some time, as he is sailing shortly for Hollywood. Tho revue is produced by Mike Connors, with the ballets and ensembles arranged and invented by Queenie Paul. Ern Beacham is the musical director. Brightly staged and with never a dull moment, the revue last night may be taken as a token of the satisfying entertainment in prospect for the remainder of the season.