LYONS' OPERATIC COMPANY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2623, 20 February 1894, Page 3

LYONS' OPERATIC COMPANY.

The Lyons' Operatic Burlesque Company opened in the Volunteer Hall, Geraldine, on Saturday evening to a very fair house. The Company, we believe, is the first of its kind that has visited this district, and the performance, in consequence of this and'the fact that the Company is a strong one, was highly appreciated. Each member of the Company has good vocal capacity, and the dancing of each individual is above anything before seen in this district. The burlesque " Isle of Beauty, or the Pretty Persians," was staged on Saturday night, with very pretty effect. The dresses were extremely handsome, and, with the help of the Company's acenery, a very pretty and effective sight was produced, quite bearing out the title « The Isle of Beauty." Mr Percy Clifton, as King Cactus, was'the life of the piece, and exhibited some clever acting. "Kun-em-in" (a Persian policeman), Mr C. Brown impersonated without in the least overdoing his part, which was one full of humourous incidents. Miss Ada Towers (Prince Sweete Petti) showed marked ability in acting, and was loudly encored for a Bong with a whistling chorus. Later on Miss Towers sang " Don't you believe it," and, for an encore, " Seen at night." The first act closed with a comic medley written by Mr Percy Clifton, which introduced the celebrated clic-clac chorus. Mr Clifton brought down the house with a comic song," Just like his Pa," and for the encore sang a very amusing parody on "Little Annie Rooney." Miss Violet Bertram (Prince Prettipet) was likewise successful with "The magic of music," and for an encore sang " Iu the days of long ago." Miss Leon (Prince Nicipici) won the audience with " Daisy Bell," and sang " A bicycle made for two," a song which is at present all the rage in England. Miss A. Lyons, as the Vizier's wife, aud Mr Joe Stark, as the Vizier, both showed themselves clever actors, thelatter being exceptionally well got up. Miss Blanche Young is a host in herself with her rainbow serpentine dance, which must be seen to be believed. Miss Young dances in a specially made Bkirt, which she can throw, while dancing, into the exact form of a wriggling boa-coustrictor. This performance was vuciferously encored. The Company appeared again at Geraldine last evening, and to-night they open at Temuka.