AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 290, 8 December 1925, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

STRALIA. To-night, in the Auckland Town Hall, tbe long awaited appearance of Stralia, the world ramous dramatic singer, will eventu-' ate. The booking for to-night's concert is excellent, and there is every appearance of fine attendances during her stay-or Tour nights in our midst. Stralia's programme to-night contains items rrom grand opera, including the great aria, "The Bel Raggio" from Rossini's famous opera "Semiramide," French chansons, English and Scottish ballads, and the ever popular "Land or Hope and Glory," Elgar'3 favourite song. This will be sung to the accompaniment or - the grand organ, at which the accomplished organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett ' will preside. Mr. Barnett will also open the concert with his ramous rantasia on National Airs, Chuhaldin, the Moscow violinist, will play the difficult Concerto of Wieniawski. and blend his programme with classical -and popular numbers. He is reckoned a second Krelsler, and will be watched closely for any resemblance between the ramous master and himself. Navarres, delightrul baritone, will lend additional charm to the programme, and Sverjensky, who will renew acquaintance with old admirers, will play many of tbe old masters' favoured works. AUSTRALIAN LADIES' PIPE BAND. The Australian Scottish Ladies' Pipe Band, the versatile combination which was heard in Auckland a few months ago, will open a return season or three nights in the t Town Hall Concert Chamber on Thursday, December 17. There is a band or dainty lady pipers, under the command or Drum-Major Darwin, F.8.G.5., and Pipe-Major Jessie Young, who have won honours in all the discipline competitions in Australia, where they began seven years ago. Since then they haye done an immense service to philanthropic land charitable causes, and have now set out on a world tour, embracing Canada, America, France, Britain, and South Arrica. They received most enthusiastic send-offs in all the Australian cities, and have had the Australian verdict very heartily endorsed by all the audiences ln the cities and towns of New Zealand. They are now working northwards to Auckland, where they will embark, and are presenting entirely new programmes In all the towns in which they appeared berofe. Apart from the novelty of having a pipe hand composed wholly or ladles, the programme they present is most varied and interesting, and individually and collectively the artistes give a performance which delights everyone. Pipe music, sdng, dance, and recitation give variety to a programme which, for attractiveness, will be very hard to beat. The box plan will open at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd., on Tuesday, December 15. OPERA HOUSE. v Ample variety tempers the new programme at the Opera House Tor thl3 week, and the large attendance last night evinced the utmost enthusiasm over the bill or rare presented. Phil Smith and his musical comedy company enter into their fourth week with a sparkling playlet, "A Hot Night." Opening in the ballroom, or an hotel, wlv;re a wayward son leads his rather, Archibald Winks, a magistrate, through ail the gaieties or careless youth, the story changes to a courtroom, where the father is caned upon to pass judgment on his wire, who, with others, was caught in the notel, where he himself had made merry, but bad escaped. It is a clever little farce, and is made the most or by the company. Phil Smith, as the gay old magistrate, is in his element, and his drolleries never fail to raise a hearty laugh. He sang "Most Amusing Fellow" in his Inimitable style, and received a round or applause. Nat Hanley, the versatile comedian, was at his best, scoring heavily in a scene with Al Mack, when he applies ror a position in the police force. His item at the piano was also the signal ror appreciation. William Greene as the choleric Major Bullock gave a finished performance and created a good impression with his vocal numbers. Phyllis Nicholson made the most or a small part, and sang well with William Greene. Peggy Peate (Mrs. Winks) was well cast, and was warmly received ror her singing or "All Alone" land "Memory Lane." the latter with Robert •Raymond, who made a typical police ofllcer. Nellie Dean made a dainty figure in «. small role, and sang "iSweet Sweet" most pleasingly. Mildred O'Brien and Al Mack were associated in a captivating dance number, "Temptation Ra#." the lady partner giving a clever and finished exhibition. Six: .as rusual are responsible tof much or the success or the production, and the ballet numbers and chorus work are excellent. The lighting, scenic, and costuming effects .are a Teature. The only new -item on the ivaudevlllo side or the programme is [ Soutbwood and Lady, a distinctly clever and original turn that is going to go well These two artists, both or whom possess I pleasing voices, and no -less pleasing personalities, intersperse their turn with songs and witticisms that do not bear the brand or the old. chestnut. A reature was •their rendering or bow to propose—the old and the new method. Then their; singing or the latest crazy meaningless jazz I songs and the old melodies or the days or grandparents; The comparison in all cases was in ravour or the old. The audience were not slow to show approval'- or the efforts or this/versatile couple. Johnny Moore, the Scotch singing comedian, again delighted, with his vocal numbers, being especially good in "Mother Machree." Miss Jenny Roy won approbation ror her singing and gracerm dancing. Farrell and Massey contrlbuted a further series or patter dances and songs that were well rece.ved The Weatherlys ..presented a diverting musical act. On Thursday night next Johnny Moore will be tendered a Scottish Night by the Caledonian Society and Thistle Social Club. LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. The triple bill being presented by the Auckland Little Theatre Society, in the Amateur Operatic Society's hall in Grarton Road, is being attended nightly ny crowded and delightrul audiences. The Dill will be given to-night and to-morrow night.