Columbus; or, the Original Pitch in a Merry Key, |
'Our weekly chronicle of theatrical novelties has described the new musical burlesque, or opera buffa, entitled Columbus; or, the Original Pitch in a Merry Key (America), which has been brought out, within the last month, at the Gaiety Theatre. It relies partly for its attractions upon the introduction of many queer parodies of well-known opera tunes; and partly, no doubt, upon the sprightliness of its ballet-dancing; but still more upon the costly magnificence of its decorations, and the beautiful scenes painted by Messrs. Gordon, Telbin, and Matthew Morgan. One of the most effective scenes is that on board the Caravel, when Columbus arrives at the cost of a strange and transatlantic country, which is named Kokatouka, and finds that is savage inhabitants are easily frightened by his prediction of an eclipse, which is speedily verified.'
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Marie Tempest's introduction |
London, 22 September 1906
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Maud Courtney at the Colonial, |
'Maude Courtney, who used to sing the old songs, and who has been in Europe and other parts of the word for the past four years, made her reappearance and was given a very cordial welcome. She opened with a song called ''Au Revoir Hyacinth,'' following it with a ditty called ''Put a Little Bit Away for a Rainy Day,'' both of which are the hits of the present day in London. It must be recorded that they did not hit the fancy of the Colonial patrons to any extent. Miss Courtney's personality and manner made as strong an appeal as ever which was proven when she recited ''Didn't She Jim?'' and sang a medley of songs that were once popular here and which she had sung in London. In her last selection she was assisted by a man in the gallery [probably Harry Calvo], who joined in very harmoniously. When Miss Courtney finds good substitutes for her first two song her speciality will be as attractive as ever, as she is an accomplished and gifted artist.'
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© John Culme, 2008