REVUE AT ITS BEST

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 714, 13 July 1929, Page 12

REVUE AT ITS BEST

FRANK O’BRIAN CARRIES ON SEASON AT ST. JAMES

Opening the fourth week of its Auckland season last evening, Frank O’Brian’s Revue Company had the satisfaction of seeing a large audience at St. James Theatre, and the audience had the satisfaction of seeing a sterling show. “Laugh, Town, Laugh” was the title of the revne, but those who saw it had no need for that injunction; they just laughed automatically. So excellent was the entertainment that laughter, loud and free, was inevitable. Frank O’Brian’s company is constituted just like any other reveue company, but its work is different in method and effect. Ambitious things are undertaken, and not once is there the slightest suggestion of failure, or even “flopping” in anything it attempts. The ballets are more elaborately staged than is customary, and artistic attention is paid to the arrangement of scenic backgrounds. The principals, too, are strong, and in addition the O’Brian fount of comedy runs merrily throughout the evening. “Airs. O’Brian’s boy, Frank,” is a comedian who relies on quiet methods for his most effective results. There is nothing unrestrained about him, and it sometimes takes no more than a murmured aside or a flickering eyelid to set the audience in an amply demonstrated good humour. His first appearance is in a sketch, “All At Sea," but from then on he is never off the stage for long. In sketches, dialogue, monologue or song, he is equally successful. Making special mentions is almost idle; but all the same there must bo many still chuckling over the delightful “Married Alan Blues.” VERSATILE MISS Sound comedy work of a different kind was done by Aliss Janice Hart, who has lots of technical resources to draw upon. Her voice is excellent, and she has too a fine appreciation of subtle points. “I Want Somebody to Love” was a delightful song which gave her full opportunity to exercise her bountiful talents. Further charming song contributions were made by Aliss Alarie Ward and Bert Lee, both of whom did popular work with full artistic flavour. Gordon Norville, besides singing, did a whirlwind Russian dance so fast it was that his legs could scarcely be seen at times. A feature of the show was the ballet dancing of the Versatile Eight, a charming and admirably trained bevy of girls. “The Sleigh Glide” was an original ballet, executed with the maximum of grace. The “Felix” ballet was another original number of delightful quality. “Tiny’s Varsity Boys,” ‘a perfectly balanced jazz band, played popular music in the true jazz spirit. There were also some first-rate instrumental solos. “Laugh, Town, Laugh” will be presented again this evening.