THE EMBASSY OPENS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 122, 25 May 1928, Page 15

THE EMBASSY OPENS.

REVUE BY "THE DIPLOMATS."

When one sees a stage entertainment, little does one think of the work that has been necessary to produce the show, of the difficulties under which the producer and the players have had to work. The audience which attended the private opening of the Embassy Theatre and the dress rehearsal of the Mildred Harris Revue Company, "The Diplomats," last night, had an intimate glimpse of what happens "backstage." When " The Diplomats" arrived from Sydney on Tuesday afternoon, they nad very little pro* perty, and they found difficulty in getting a theatre in which to rehearse. Since then the producer, Mr. Ed. Warrihgton, has done wonders. Although each member of the company was capable of a good individual turn, they had not worked together before and the ballet, which was recruited in Auckland, had only fortyeight hours to practise. To Yvette, the ballet mistress, must go the credit for the splendid work shown by this chorus. Last night's entertainment was a novel experience for most of those in the audience for Mr. Warrington stood beside the orchestra and directed the players. Such dancing as that shpwn by Clyde and Yvette is seldom seen in Auckland; theirs was a clever turn and quite the most enjoyable of last night's programme. Mildred and Connie Harris (members of the well-known Harris family) presented a versatile turn, in which bright comedy is combined with musical talent. Cecil Scott, the ' juvenile * lead of "The Diplomats," Colleen Hope and Linda Dale are the vocalists of the company. Sam Stern, in character work, was equally enjoyable as the broken-down actor, as the emotional officer of the French Army recounting a tragic experience, or as the "very whispering baritone." A 1 Mick was responsible for some novel humour. One can hardly imagine a seasick passenger saying "Good-night" to a peppy army officer, at least a dozen times, or expressing the hope just as often that they would meet again in the morning, yet Bert Gilbert, the male lead of the company does so in his short sketch, "Knuts and M- leira," and scores a success. He is aeissted in this presentation by the entire company. Clyde shows by his performance as the officer he is capable not only of good dancing, but also of some interesting acting. Vaudeville revue (the type of entertainment which "The Diplomats" are presenting), differs from ordinary vaudeville in that there is no scenery, all scenes being < staged amid stage settings of large impressionistic draperies. This feature introduces a bright atmosphere to the stage. Enjoyable music is provided by the orchestra under Mr. Eric Waters. On the transformation which lias taken place within the theatre, enough cannot be said. Within ten days the interior has been entirely reconstructed. The colour scheme is an unusual one, with three shades, vieux rose, mauve and gold, prominent. New seats have been fitted and a new floor in the stalls and a new stage built. Thick ■ carpets cover the entrance corridor and the floor of the lounge, while a new marble staircase gives entrance to the stalls. Lighting is a feature which has obviously received special attention. To have accomplished so much in such a short time is a remarkable piece of work and the thanks of the management are due to the contractors for a good job well done.