ENTERTAINMENTS.
"'THE GAY FOLLIES." With none of the pretension of grand opera or the spectacular effect of a pantomime, came the "Gay Follies" and Royal Costume Comedy Company to the Theatre Royal last night, and the mission they made on the local musicloving public was an excellent one. Always dainty and refined, it was also sprightly and mirth-provoking to the fifth 'declension/ and it did : 'riot contain a dull moment. The items were cora--lendably-" diversified, members , off:the compaiy Mmg equally at home* iii 'graye i: and 'the latter—for 'the' troupe is well-named. It has been said that local audiences are, with a subtle discrimination, conservative in their applause, but last night they showered their plaudits on'the performers in their various turns with an enthusiasm born of whole-hearted enjoyment. But then the "Gay Follies" had the becoming virtue of being humorous, and excrutiatingly so, without wandering into the realm of questionable jokes. In their opening chorus, "Gay Follies," the company immediately captivated their auditors. It went with a right jolly swing, with-de-lightful little deviations. Indeed, in all. >ir chorus and bracketed numbers the voices of the "Follies" blended to a nicety, and in this lay one of the charms of the troupe. Without going into fine points it was at once apparent that Miss Cissy O'Keefe's beautiful contralto voice established her a warm favourite, its great depth and richness of tone being noticeable in all her numbers. The company is fortunate in its possession of | Mr. Percy Clifton, who, during his association with the J. C. Williamson's Opera Company, always left a trail of laughter behind him. Last night he was the same "Percy,"-the Percy of old, and with Miss Lily Moore in a humorous dialogue, "Writing a, Play," he made quite a hit. Mr. Percy Dal ton came with I a much-heralded reputation as a champion eccentric dancer and rag-time .specialist, which he ably sustained throughout. It would be difficult to improve upon his clever and intricate footwork, and the same may be said of the Sisters Lussannes, serio-eomics and dancers. Mr. Clifford O'Keefe's fine deep basso voice was heard to rousing effect in "Will 0' the Wisp" and "Out On the Deep," while Miss Lily Moore, who has a most entrancing stage personality,'' proved a charming soubrette. In her association with Mr. IL C. Steyne (the droll and sprightly comique) in the song and dance "Every Little Moment,' she was twice recalled. Mr. G. Branson, the baritone of the party, also won favour, and pleasing diversity was lent to the programme by those two comedy sketch artists and vocalists, Miss Iris Edgar and Mr. Kennedy Black. Not the' least entertaining features of the performance were the quaTtctte "Madrigal," and the finale, "The Motor Car," by the "Follies" an extremely novel turn. The work of the accompanist (Mr. W. Butler) gave added zest to the-success of the performers. The "Gay Follies" are undoubtedly a good little company of skilful artists, and with a change of programme, they should draw a good house in the Theatre Royal again this evening.
EMPIRE PICTURE PALACE. A -complete change of mms will be introduced at the matinee this afternoon and again at the evening session, commencing at 8 p.m. An interesting;travel picture starts the programme with "Seeing Xew Orleans," and amongst 'the many other good things provided are "A Musical Ride by Dragoon Guards," 'Trieste Harbor,"' and "The Art of Jujitsu." Dramatic studies are, prominent with "An Unseen ■Enemy" (A.8.), "Broncho Billy and the Indian Maid" (S. and A,), "A, Political. .Kidnapping, (Kale'ni) anil "Together" (Labia); ■' ■-An" exceptionally amusing comedy is provided by the Lubin plavers," entitled, "Won at High Tide," whilst other humorous items are "Calino .Marries a Suffragette" and" l "When Masters are Out."
THEATRE ROYAL PICTURES. There wiUhe no pictures shown at ■the Theatre Royal to-night owing to other engagements. On Monday night the pictures again occupy the:haLiwhen a complete new programme will, be shown, including a magnificent "star'" drama "The Mysterv of Souls." , -','
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Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 199, 11 January 1913, Page 8
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663ENTERTAINMENTS. Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 199, 11 January 1913, Page 8
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