New Britain herald., 1930-03-20
Theater Review
(By Herald Reviewer)

Like a conquering hero, Sir Harry Lauder came back to Parsons thea ter in Haroford last night for a one night stand, little stockier, a little | older and a whole lot funnier. Sir Harry has lost none of his old spell; if anything the years have mellowed his art. The Scotsman still capers through his act despite | advancing age, with his kits and his pipes and his inimitable chuckle, | just as he first did many years ago. | The audience last night showed it's appreciation of his generous efforts with spontaneous applause that moved Sir Harry to respond with a well-rcstrained little curtain speech. Tn enumerate all of the Scotch songs the artist sang is to recite a list familiar to nearly everyone. High spot- of his performance were probably: Roaming in the Gloam- ing" and When I Meet Mckaye." |" The crowd fairly cheered "Roamng in the Gloaming." simply because it is an old favorite, and it kept the singer inventing new verses to When l Meet Mckaye" until he gasped for breath. Then when Sir Harry worked his appreciation speech into an introduction for "The End of the Road" with his promise that he will not desert the stage until the people cease to support him or illness forces him to quit, that, too, struck q popular chord.
 Sir Harry worked and worked hard last night. For man of his age he seemed almost prodigal with his energy. Figuring in his time for costume changes. he was on an hour and a half, and that means he was giving his best during that time for he never hurries through his show or "sodiers" When one stops to consider his statement that he entertained the grandparents of many Of the people in last nights audience, his energy seems remark able; his ability to hold his audi enccs even more firmly, year after "year, little short of amazing.
 
 the audience were slightly puzzled last night when the show started with d sort of glorified vaudeville presentation. Five acts, ranging from crayon artist to a Persian" pianist. occupied the first part of the evening. Lauder, apparently, carries them to fill in q two hour and d half performance, realizing that advancing years will not permit him to stay on the stage throughout long performance. Probably Sir Harry realizes that large numbers in his audiences are Scotsmen-and he wants to see to it that the Scots and the rest of us get our moneys worth. Tho throng at Parsons more than got what it paid for last night.
 The assisting artists with the great comedian are: Don Julian, crayon caricaturist. with an anus ing batter and considerable skill: Del Orto trio, with dances. songs and costumes from Spain; Fleurette
 
 siderable real talent: the Ben Hamid troupe, tumblers and eymnasts of high caliber: and Kharum, a Per siam pianist, who refused to smile, and who played a number of selec- tions quite well indeed
 The whole show, however. was Lauder and the audience indicated as much when the old trouper ap- peared. Judging from the applause, and even the cheers from a few native Highlanders, when Sir Harry announced that he would go on en- tertaining to "the end of the road,' Hartford and surrounding towns that watch for the famous Scot at Parsons hope that it will be many. many seasons before their beloved entertainer finds it necessary to re- tire.