AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 96, 24 April 1922, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

CELLIEU'S "DOROTHY." The second change of programme was presented nt His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday evening by tbe .1. C. Williamson Opera Company, the fascinating comedyopera "Dorothy." by Alfred Cellier. taking the place of Sullivan's "The Yeoman of tbe Guard." The audience was large and interested, bestowing warm praise on the performers and left the theatre delighted with the presentation given of one of the most charming and effectively written musical comedies in existence. A fine performance was achieved of the work, of special merit was the admirable singing of the soloists, the finished delivery of the quartet trios and quintets, and the bright and attractive renderings given of tbe fine choruses, whilst a capable orchestra played the delightful instrumentatiou in a style admirably displaying the beauties of the music. As Dorothy Bantam Miss Patti Russell made a distinct success, her histrionic as well as her musical skill enabling her to make much of au attractive ehar-.-lctcr. She sang with vocal purity and charm "Be Wise in Time." gave with grace and fluency the solo iv the dance number, and assisted materially in the various concerted pieces. Miss Byrl Walkeley as Lydia Hawthorne contributed her solos in a captivating manner and acted with vivacity and spirit. The part of Phyllis Tuppitt was capably played by Miss Grace Crotty. whilst the presentation of the characters id' Mrs. Privett and Lady Betty were ably sustained by the Missea Molly Tyrol! and Isla Gamble respectively. An outstanding featnre of tbe performance was tbe clever acting of Mr. Charles Workman, whose inimitable impersonation of Lurcher kept the audience convulsed the whole time he occupied the stage. His low- comedy was always iv the best of taste, whilst his grimaces and antics admirably suited the situation. Mr. Charles Mettam's rendering of "With Such a Dainty Oanie" and "Though Born a Man Of High Degree" was greatly admired. Mr. Howett-Worster's flexible and well produced baritone was heard to telling effect in —Queen of My Heart." and In the various concerted numbers he lent valuable assistance. Mr. Victor Prince made the most of Squire Bantam, and Messrs." Minogue and Herbert Browne were convincing as John Tuppitt and Tom Street respectively. An inspiring rendering was given of tbe "Tally-Ho." effectively sun" was tbe "Old Woman's Chorus," and big climaxes were secured in the finales of Acts 1 and 3. Tbe same opera will be produced this evening. EVERVBODYS THEATRE. With dainty and popular Miss Viola Dana « s the leading lady, the film play "The .\latcli Breaker." which commences a season -. ?/ . at Theatre, should prova itself to be _v interesting.feature for the new bill. The picture has been admirably produced by the Metro Corporation, and with its piquant story it is surely destined to go well with* Auckland audit ences. The tale concerns a girl of very attractive appearance and personality. She is of tender years, and is ordered by the family to enter a marriage which is distasteful to her. She runs away, goes to a great city, and there commercialises her winsome appearance by setting up in business as a professional breaker of amorous entanglements. The greatest interest of the story comes when a father and his son both retain the services of the little lady, and she is accused as well of being the adventuress who has captured the son's impressionable heart. The scenic portions of this picture are very beautiful, and the art work displayed is of a very high standard. -The Match Breaker."' as well as its supporting pictures, is accompanied by first-rate mimic. FULLER'S VAUDEVILLE. Tbe variety programme that graced the boards at Fuller— Opera House for the first time this afternoon was one that included the first appearance of the Sisters Sprigbt- | ley, who are entertaining comediennes with ! several good character numbers. George Dixon, billed as.the musical Jack-in-the-box. also inhfees a flrst appearance, and Beaver, the talkative juggler, has an entertaining volley of small-talk while be makes his rapid transpositions and draws wonderful things from bis seeminjrly limitless pockets. Other vaudeviilians w.o kept the matinee House entertained this- afternoon included Norton and Forbes, the English pair. Huley and Bent, the Kennedy Boys, the Honolulu Four. Wells and Delle. and Rix. The performance is being staged as usual to-night, and every evening this week, except Tuesday, with the usual matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. TEN THOUSAND MILES IN SOUTHERN CROSS. Such has been the success of the film "Ten Thousand Miles in the S.Y. Southern Cross,"' that it is being screened again tonight in the Town Hall Concert Chamber. The film diyl.s with the most interesting subject of the South Pacific, the niany beadtifiil islands there, aud last but not least, the mannerisms and modes of living, tbe queer ami variegated customs of the child-like inhabitants of these isles. Interwoven in the whole study is a splendjd *tory of good work, with many a bint of hardships; and many a quaint island ceremony that makes the film au impressive one. To-night's screening will be the last. Mr. G. 11. Tarr will speak In explanation of tbe film, which will be supported by orchestral music. TOWN HALL ORGAN RECITAL. Bach's famous "Toccata nnd Fugue in D Minor." Guilmant's -'Funeral March" and "Chant Seraphique" and Sibelius" "Finlandia" were the principal solos played by Mr. Barnctt at the usual recital last Saturday cveuing. The variety of treatment of the Toccata was fully realised durinc the presentment. Tbe Adagio was brilliantly delivered, ueat finger work marked the playing of the "Prestissimo." and the contrasted rbytliins of tbe allegro were delicately handled, whilst an attractive performance was secured of the splendid fugue. A maestoso reading was obtained of the "Marcbe Funebrc." the great chords of the Andante told splendidly on the foundation stops, and the delicately voiced registers were charmingly exhibited during tbe performance pf the Trio. A flowing and expressive rendering was given of the ''Chant Seraphique." snd much colour was thrown into the performance of Sibelius' work. Solos by Mailly. Chopin, and Dubois were also delivered. Mr. Arthnr Ripley was warmly recalled after his •tasteful renderings of Loewe's "Till Dawn" and Gorfard's "Angels Guard Thee."' Mr. Cyril Towsey acted as pianist. RETURN OF ELLA SHIELDS. Miss Ella Shields, the popular male impersonator, will be supported by a powerful company of international entertainers when she gives her farewell season in Auckland. at His Majesty's Theatre, commencing next Monday. Miss Shields has attained marked success wherever she has gone, and New Zealand will be not the only country to look upon her departure with regret. In her characterisation of "liurlingtou Bertie." Miss Shields has created a person who will not easily be forgotten, and this charinins Uttle comedienne proves her art not only by manly mannerisms, but by gesticulation, by speech and phrase, and by the whole atmosphere with which she surrounds her characters. The box plans for the season will open on Wednesday at Lewis IS. Eadv and Son.

AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. HISi MAJESTY'S— "Dorothy." OPERA HOUSE—Fuller's Vaudeville TOWN HAH. CONCERT CHAMBER - s-outh sea Islands picture. PICTURE THEATRES. THE NATIONAL—Eugene OT.rieti in "'chivalrous Charlie" and .Miss Dv lout vi "False Kisses." THE ,._*T; VV LYRIC—Mary P'ckford In Pollyanna." THE TlVOLl—Cosmopolitan Kiiro. -Just Around the Coiner" and Harold Lloyd »n "Amongst Those Present." THE STRAND—Norma Talrnadire in "The Sign On the Door." TH * .JWPOOROME — John Gilbert in Shame." THE PRINCESS— "Ove.- the Hill " THE QUEEN'S—FiIm of sculling race between (_,_;ou and llaillleld. al-o 'When Bearcat Went litv " THE GRAND—Charles |; a v in ••The Midnight ™-_____ vviil ' " T »raan- serial. PWB»»WOY'S—VioIa bans, in "The MaPh THE BROADWAY—-A Man'- Home " -elznick picture. THE WEST END—Antonio Moreno in -Ttte secret or the Hills."" THE BRITANNIA-EH , Per.} in •• Wings of Love.