AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 304, 24 December 1929, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

LUNA PARE.

"WHOOPEE."

Oil Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock,, at His Majesty's Tlieatre : the curtain will rise on the initial production in New Zealand of J. C. Williamson's spectacular musical comedy, "Whoopee." The com', pany, which includes Miss Lillian Crisp Mr. Jack Ralston, Mr. William Penyman', and the comedian, Mr. Don. Nicol, has been considerably strengthened by the addition of Miss Patricia Kendal! and Mr. Terry Kendall, both of . whom will take important parts in' "Whoopee," They will also present their famous specialty dances, which made their names household words in London, "Whoopee" is brimming over with out. standing musical numbers. The following are probably the most popular of the musical items: "Here's to the Girl of My Heart," "Red, Red Rose," "Gipsy Joe," "Makin' Whoopee," "Until You Get Somebody Else," "Stetson," "The Song of the Setting Sun," "Red Mama," "Invocation to the Mountain God: (a)' Prayer, (b) The Dance, (p) The Offering of Beauty"; "Redskin," "Hallowe'en." There are eleven scenes in "Whoopee," and they are filled with incident and bubbling mirth. The staging and dressing is lavish, and some novel illusion and lighting effects are a feature of the production. Altogether there are over 100 peoplo concerned in the representation of "Whoopee," including a particularly well-trained ballet. The chorus work is another feature of the show. A full operatic orchestra is under the baton of Mr. Harry Burton. A scenic and lighting rehearsal will take place this evening, under the supervision of Mr.. Victor Tatnal, the producer of "Whoopee." Tha plans will be on view to-day as advertised, and during the-holidays seats maj be selected at His Majesty's Theatre coiii fectionery kiosk.

■ WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS. Music lovers will 110 doubt accord ?. very hearty welcome to the Westminster Glee Singers 011 their appearance in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Thursday evening, when the first of the return series of concerts will be given under the direction of Henry Hayward. For this, the farewell season, Edward Branscombe has arranged special programmes of entirely new numbers, in solos and concerted wovks f Concert-goers are looking forward to hearing Mr. Alfred Cunningham, England's greatest baritone, who has come out from London to join the companyMr. Cunningham was a member of the famous Scarlet Troubadours. There are also two new hoy soprano soloists, Masters Harold Robinson and James Humphreys. Harry Fearn and. Norman Clarke will be heard in delightful solo numbers, and Messrs. Ernest McKinlay Charles O'Conner, Donald Reid, Albert Greene and James Barber will submi> gems from their repertoires. Piano> organ and harp accompaniment niil enhance the beauty of a few of the concerted numbers, and special attention is being paid to the general stage presentation. The box plans of reserved seats for the season are at Lewis Eady, Limited.

An added attraction at Luna Park is the appearance of Jolly Ray. Jolly who comcs from the United States, is only 22 years old, but she weighs stone. Other attractions which are drawing city dwellers and visitors from the country are Elsia and the dilly Circus. The scenic railway, tn whip, the caterpillar, the meny ro - up, the dodge-em's, the goofy house, the fun factory, the scenic river the joy wheel are all well pat There is also a splendid range ° . esting side-shows. Special bus seiuce* are advertised.