"ARABIAN NIGHTS"

A BRIGHT SHOW

By billing his production, "Arabian Nights," as a "super-pantomime"—the initial : performances of this being given- in the Grand Opera House on Saturday—Mr. H. J. Melville at once puts himself onside with the public. No standard dictionary gives a definition of a "super-' pantomime," hence a producer of one is at liberty to incorporate in it any and all talent available in order to make a bright and spectacular-show. This is what Mr. Melville has succeeded in doing, and "Arabian Nights," while being modelled on the lines of orthodox pantomime, is elastic enough in its scope to include -what amount to vaudeville items. The strongest point is the ballet, not one, but many, all arranged by Mr. J. Knpwsley. The story of "Arabian Nights", is a mixture of ; "Aladdin" and "The Forty .Thieves, '■ the former predominating. The plot, of course, matters little as Ion" as things are kept moving along brightly with song, humour, and ballets, and this is the case. Mr. Melville himself is the traditional pantomime dame, "gentle and trusting," according to the programme, and whenever he or she is on the stage Aier,V s a Per Pet"a.l titter of laughter. Aladdin, the dame's son, is played by Wright, who has the dashing style of the principal boy" of the old-fashioned pantomime, and she is more than a match j t T l!es of Abanazar, the magician, and.of the Emperor (played respectively by .Leon Victor and Eric Lind). Aladdin thoroughly deserved the hand of the Princess Badroulbadour (Merle Spurdle) obtal,n,ed when he became her richest suitor (although it was really a case of love at first sight) owing to the treasure he got out oi the magic cave. Lots of other' characters help to keep the pantomime going. There are the Grand Vizier (Jim Broad); the Slaves of the Lamp and Ring (Warren Shaw and Williamina Sturrock, respectively); Pekoe (Jim Cooke); Sin" Hop and Oh Cli (George Power and Errol Mmr); Willie Hum (Mervyn Dandy) ; bergeant Casey and Constable Cohen (Ray Kemp and Will Jameson), who were responsible for a lot of the fun and the lirst-named for some of the best vocal efforts; Chi Chi (Emil Berthelsen), who charmed snakes most realistically arid also danced;. Cassiaiy.- (Joe Collins); Ali Baba (Molly Duffy); Hassaras (Doreen' Chorley); Abdul and Fatima (Lilian Thompson); and Cheeka San (Stella Cuthbertson). . Members of the V.M.C.A.. gymnasium classes were alternately Nubian slaves, the forthy thieves, or Arab periormers, as the occasion demanded,' and their gymnastic displays and spectacles were a feature of the show. Some items really had nothing to do .with the story but that did not matter, as they all' contributed to the fun. ■■•■•'•'

The ballets were the brightest spots in a bright show, youngsters and more mature performers alike bringing much credit on themselves and Mr. J. Knowsley. Space will not permit the detailing of the many performers in these ballets, which included i W i vr» b','!r,',' Oriental Moon»" "Jewels and Moths," "China," "Eastern," "Love Barge, Moonlight," and "The Volcano." ihe scenery was bright and effective the dressing particularly gorgeous, and there were some ambitious stage effects A capable little, orchestra was conducted by Mr. V. Brown. Mr. H. Liardet was stage The marches and displays were arranged by Mr. J. Duffy, of the V.M.C.A and H is in aid of that organisation that Arabian Nights" will be repeated tbn,l?ht ,?, nd aS"in to-morrow. Young and' old alike -will "enjoy "Arabian Nights'? and by attending will be supporting a jraod cause. . - • • ■