AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, 2 January 1931, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE BELLE OF NEW YORK."

The colourful musical comedy "The New Moon," which has met with record success in Britain, America, Australia and New Zealand, will have its final presentation at His Majesty's Theatre this evening. The 1030 version of "The Belle of New York," which, will be staged by "The New Moon" company to-morrow afternoon and evening and the following four nights, is sure to create' great interest among local playgoers, old and young. Like the music of the Gilbert, and Sullivan operas, the .melodies of "The Belle of New York" are as popular to-day as when they were first heard 30 years ago. Among the best-known numbers are "Wine, Women and Song,'' "La Belle Parisienue," "The Purity Brigade," "She is the Belle of New York," "Follow-on," "When We Were Marriea," "At Ze Naughty Folies Bergere" and "The Anti-Cigarette Society." The ballets, without which the opera would not be complete, are said to be triumphs of artistic arrangement, and they are executed by a ballet of exceptionally brilliant Australian dancers. All the principals of "The New Moon" are in the cast of "The Belle of fNew York" and in addition the cast will include Mr. Leslie Holland, who was specially engaged to present his inimitable characterisation of Ichabod Bronson, which he has portrayed here successfully on former occasions. TO-NIGHT'S CHANGES. New programmes are being screened at seven city theatres 'to-day. Greta Garbo is afforded full scope for her dramatic' *-« , ~~*~ in "Romance," +he story of a young minister's hopeless passion for an operatic singer, which is having its premiere at the St. James' Theatre. The inimitable Maurice Chevalier, star of "Innocents of Paris" and "The Love Parade," scores a further triumph in "The Big Pond,"_ a tuneful comedy drama, at the Civic Theatre. The Majestic Theatre programme is headed by "Shooting Straight," in which Richard Dix retn-ns to the fast-moving action picture that was responsible for his first success on the screen. "The Lady of Scandal," at the Strand Theatre, is the screen version of Lonsdale's comedy of English society, with Ruth Chattertoii at the head 'of a notable cast. Two amusing comedies, "The Kibitzer," based on the AmericanJewish theme, and "The Sap from Syracuse," starr ; -~ the versatile Jack Oakie, are being screened at the Plaza Theatre. Lovers of outdoor stories will enjoy tlio Ttoxy Theatre attraction, "Son of the Saddle," in, which the popular Ken Maynard plays the leading role. At the London Theatre there, are two highclass British productions, "Not So Quiet on the Western Front," an amusing war parody, and "Loose Ends," a scintillating comedy of London society. LUNA PARK. The- New Year revels at Luna Pane have attracted over 20,000 people to the popular amusement area during the last two days. Novelties imported straight from Coney Island, New York, augment the many attractions which have proved popular in the past—the scenic railway, the dodg'ems, the fun factory, the underground caves, and so on. Special concession cards are available for clubs and other large parties. Jazz and old-time music is dispensed by Martinengo's Band at Jhe. Palais Le Danse. PICTUREDROME, MILFORD.

There was a, record gathering at the New Year carnival dance held at the Picturedrome,. . Milford, .on Wednesday evening. The Felix Syneopaters were in attendance. Farther carnival dances have been arranged for Saturday evenings during, the. summer season.