BRIGHT VAUDEVILLE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 August 1939, Page 8

BRIGHT VAUDEVILLE

MARIONETTES AND OTHER FEATURES. "FUNZ-A-POPPIN" AT RECENT LAST NIGHT. “Funz-a-Poppin" presented in the Regent Theatre last night to a largo and appreciative audience, provided a good entertainment in every particular. The production as a whole was a first-class one, the highlight being Salici’s marionettes.

It was difficult to imagine that the marionettes were actually inanimate, so realistically' did they perform. Tne audience was left’ nothing short of spellbound and even after the secrets of the manipulation were disclosed at the end of the performance the spectators continued to wonder. The marionette show opened in a delightful moonlight setting, with Neapolitan puppets in the foreground, twanging guitars and singing well-known airs. The guitarists played their instruments with life-like precision and gestured just as they would in real life. Then came a jolly interlude in which clowns made play with an elusive butterfly followed by a ballroom complete with jazz band. A pianist played with remarkable fidelity. He was joined later by a prima donna, who gave the airs and graces of a living singer and was supported by a flute obligato. A “gentleman” marionette in evening dress produced a lighter, lit his cigarette and smoked it as if he enjoyed it. A great reception was accorded the Salicis themselves when they appeared, on the stage. It was a remarkable show.

Supporting the marionettes was an excellent company' of vaudeville artists. The ballet of 12 Dancing Debutantes knew how to dance with precision and grace. Bobby Morris had an acute sense of humour and soon had the house in roars of laughter. Two talented American comedians, Harry Ross and Eddie Edwards showed they were masters of their quick-fire art. Another clever artist was Bozo Snyder, who put over some witty miming and silent foolery. Dainty twin dancers. the Vans, June and Trudell, greatly pleased the audience and Elsa Lang, an operatic soprano, possessed a voice of great sweetness and range. She was ably supported by' her partner, Murray Greene in songs they sang together. Jack Bickle was able to tie himself up in . knots and perform some amazing feats of contortion. The Carr Brothers were a pair of daring nimble and neat acrobats, their turn being one of the best in the show. A lively little song and dance specialist appeared in Loretta Grey. A powerful orchestra supported the whole show. The final act, a “peace” conference complete with able representation of world diplomats, particularly Hitler and Chamberlain, was an amusing and appropriate end Io a splendid entertainment.