MR VERNON'S COMEDY COMPANY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9043, 31 January 1908, Page 5

MR VERNON'S COMEDY COMPANY.

"A TRIP TO CHINATOWN."

Mr Howard Vernon's Musical Com< edy Company staged the popular comedy, "A Trip to Chinatown," last evening. A fairly large audience occupied the Town Hall, and judging by the applause the piece was heartily appreciated. The comedy is of a bright and sparkling nature, and the characters were well sustained. The adventures of Welland Strong, the invalid, Ben Gay, the jolly old citizen who departs from the paths of dignity for a while, and the fascinating widow, Mrs Guyer, make an excellent excuse for the introduction of <onedy,vocalisni and dancing, and certainly the company make the most of it. The piece was well staged, the scenic effects in the last act, "The Cliff Ball," being 'particularly good. There is hardly a betterknowji performer on the Australian stage than Mr Vernon, who was associated for many year 3 with Mr J. C. Williamson's companies. In the role of Welland Strong, last night, he gave a capital representation of the character. Two of his songs, "Take Your Hat Off to the King" and "Madam'sslle New York," were vociferously encored. MissViniade Loitte made a pleasing "Mrs Guyer," her acting and singing being warmly applauded by the audience. Her best vocal item was "When the Heart is Young." Mr I. R. Howard as "Ben Gay" was excellent, as was also Miss Iris Vance as "Rasleigh Gay." Miss Vance sang the song, "When the Band begins to Play" with spirit. Mr Car! Bell did fuU justice to the part of "Slavin Payne," and Mr Roland Rcis was equally as successful in "Noah Heap." Miss Foley as "Flirt," Miss J. Turner as "Tony Gray," and Miss Mantell as "Cora Fay," completed a strong'cast, which altogether gave a first-class representation of a deservedly popular piece. The comedy will be repeated this evening, when the management may look forward to another large house.