ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 162, 27 March 1923, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

“THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE.” The spirit of C. J. Dennis’s popular versification, “The Sentimental Bloke, was again capably portrayed at the Grand Opera Tlouso last evening by F J and Dan Carroll’s Comedy Company Tho play is an effective adaptation, skilfully enacted. Tho dialogue is abundantly humorous, and the episodes are realistic. Ihe leading characters, as interpreted by Messrs. Walter Cornock, Tai Ordell, and M> ss Eiiecn Alexander, are distinctly lifelike. The last three nights of this thoroughly Australian play are announced. The box plan is at the Bristol. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. New performers in a new programine attracted a largo audience to His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, whpn a capital entertainment was oflerea. Among tho newcomers were the Reece Sisters, who have tho charm and graco of vouth to aid them in their pretty songs and dances. Conway and Beecham, cross-talk comedians, have none of that respect due to old-aged jokes, and lash them into action by tho well-intentioned vehemence of their style. Russell and Frost are lady and gentleman dancers, who have a smart way of presenting a variety of fancy dances of tho jazzy order. One of their most acceptable efforts represented a few periods in the history of dancing—from the minuet to tho jazz, with variations of each style to give the dance a theatrical savour. The lady, a neat dancer, wears a variety of lovely drosses, one being reminiscent of the gorgeous confections of Gaby Deslys —a dress of tinted feathers, with a coiffure to match. Little Lorna, a mere child, is rich in mimetic and natural talertt, and with an aptitude for ihe stage beyond her years, makes a success in every* number. Her singing of “Dear Old Dad” was quite tho best exposition of that song heard at His Majesty’s, and her imitations of Leo White, Maurice Sternberg, and Jennie Hartley had real touches of the originals. Sam Stern, the Yiddishor comedian, was a distinct favourite. His “Cleopatra” song, clever in itself, was capitally sung, 'and in “'Thrit Dear Baby Mother of Mme” (his own creation) ho caught the heart of his audience, and held it like a true comedian. Then lapsing into the comic once more, he sang of “Nicolo and the riotous “I Want a Man. the Sunbeam Revue Company, headed by.Doddv Hurl and Harry Evans, presented “The Fun Shop,” and for good slapstick comedy tho new revue has points ovfer its predecessors. Doddy Hurl was in good form, and revelled in tho knock-about fooling in such stunts as “The Hold Up,” the circus episode, ’and tho bookmakers. Miss Billie Jones, the attractive soubrette, sang “Oh” and “Tra-la-la. with snappy charm, and danced with all the agility of the pony team behind her. Mr. Davo McGill is an improving singer, and his ballads were most acceptable. Air. Vernon Sellars also sang well. Tho old quartet, “Sweet and Low,” was one of the hits of tho Opening. Madeline Dormer and Patsie Hill were also talented contributors to the fun of “The Fun Shop.’ Mr. Frank Crowther and jhis orchestra were an invaluable aid to the brightness of tho whole programme. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Henrik Ibsen’s tremendous play, ■S‘A Doll’s ■Housed' a most scorching examination of a'wife’s rightful place in tho homo, is receiving a great interpretation by Nazimova in the film version now showing at Everybody’s 'l’lieatre. She has ro aid her a sjiecia.lly ' selected all-star caflb, and the •result is to make a §tory to be remembered for some time to come by all who arc fortunate enough to see it. In addition is an excellent supporting programme, including three gazettes .and a rollicking comedy. The orchestra contributes considerably to tho entertainment. EMPRESS THEATRE. A powerful story powerfully acted is always sure to prove a draw, and that “The Branding Iron” comes within that category is clearly proved by tho great crowds who have attended tho screening at the Empress Theatre. Nothing has been left to chance. Aided by a select cast, ihe story sweeps forward at a rapid papo, amidst excitements and thrills to a conclusion which “points a moral to adorn a tale.” The whole picture is high-class drama, using that much abused word in its .real sense. The humoui- of the evening is introduced by that prince of codemians Harold Lloyd, in “Haunted Spooks,” one of his latest and best successes. There are other pictures as supports, whilst thei orchestra plays with its customary brilliance a flue selection of music.

ALLEN DOONE IN IRISH DRAMA. A t tho Grand Opera House on Easter Saturday evening, local theatregoers will have the pleasure of renewing acquaintanceship with tho popular actor, Allen Dorine, and Miss Edna Keeley, and their company of Irish players. For the present tour Mr. Doono has decided on quick changes, and has arranged to open his season with the ■ Irish drama, “Lucky O’Shea,” a play in which he has scored genuinff successes* in Australia, America, and South Africa. “Lucky O’Shea” is in a prologue and three acts, and is brimful of incident- from rise to fall of curtain. For tho present tour Mr. Doone has been very lucky in securing the services of nearly all his old company. Irish wit and sentiment are the features of “Lucky O’Shea,” though at times there are strong dramatic features introduced. It is said that the staging of “Lucky O’Shea” will bo done in first-class style. The box plans are now open at the Bristol. PARAMOUNT AND ARTCRAFT THEATRES. Tho actor plays many parts, but few can run through tho whole gamut of human emotions, and “suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” as does William Farnum, in one of his most powerful productions “Moonshine Valley,” now showing at the Paramount and Artcraft Theatres. It is idio story of a degenerate brute restored to manhood by the influence of a little child. Al St. John has been seen in no liner comedy than “All Wet,” while John Gilbert, approaches to him in a totally distinct comedy, “Tho Lovo Gambler.” There is also a cartoon and gazette in addition. A FAREWELL CONCERT. There is likely to bo a very large audience at tho grand farewell complimentary concei t to be tendered to Miss Mabello Esquilant at- the Town Hall to-morrow nijjlit. It is only on such notable occasions ns these that such an aggregation of talent can bo brought together on tho one platform. In this caso all local artists have been most willing to come forward and do their best for Miss Esquilant, who goes to tho Old Country as New Zealand’s representative contralto. A delightful programme has been arranged. Miss Esquilant is to sing that gorgeously beautiful aria, “Alla Stella Confidante” (Ribaudi) and tho soulful “Lament of Isis” (Granville Bantoek). Leon do Mauny, the London violinist, is to play the “‘Meditation.” from Massenet’s “Thais,” and Kreisler’s “Tambourin Chinois’,” and Evelyn do Mauny will plav the twelfth “Rhapsody” of LisztHoward Foster is to sing “I "Would I Were King” (Sullivan), and Violet

Reith that beautiful aria from “Mignon,” “Know’st Thou the Land. Miss Eileen Driscoll (who is goinf Home with Miss Esquilant) will contribute two of Stevenson 1 s children s verses to del Riego’s delightful music. Winnie Fraser-Morrish is to sing “Caro Nome” (Verdi), and Herbert Wood will sing “Thy Tiny Hand is Frozen,” from Puccini’s opera, ‘La Bohetne.” Items will also be given by the Lyric Quartet, and the popular C.T. Mqlo Voice Choir (of which Miss Esquilant is the only lady member). Mr. Harold Whittle is the accompanist, and the Bristol Co. is supplying the Steinway pianoforte fi'ee of charge. EKETAHUNA TOWN HALL. Harry Carey’s latest picture, “Hell Bent,” to ba seen at the Eketahuna Town Hall, contains many unusual elements not previously seen in Western stories. Carey achieved international fame as a rider of no mean order, when as far hack as 1900 he won no less than three trophies for roping various aged steers during a seven days’ meeting. IE was here also that he met Claie Dubrav, who features with him m his latest production “Hell Bent.’ This daring and. fearless little horsewoman carried off championship honours at the same meeting. WIRELESS CONCERT. Frojn, their transmitting station on the top of the Ford building, Courtwmy Place, last evening, the De J; crest Wireless Company broadcasted a most enjoyable radio concert. Ihe contributors, through the courtesy or Messrs. Fuller, included numbers ot the Fuller Vaudeville Company. Miss Tatsie Hill sang “Fancies,’ Mr. McGill “Little French Baby,” and Miss Billie Jones “Melisande in the Mood. Miss Huia. Noble wa-s their accompanist. Mr. Pat Fitzgerald’s vqcal items were “Mate of Mine,” ‘l outn, “Mothiek Macihree,” “Parted, and “Until.” Miss G. Harbroe contributed “Carissima,” “I Did Not Knew', “Jeunesse,” “Hcming,” and ‘ Oh, La La.” Miss Harbroe and Mr. Fjtzgerald gave the duet, “The Great Red Dawn.” Miss Harbroe played the accompaniments. Tho voices of all the contributors carried well, and were tunefully modulated. The remainder of the programme comprised the latest gramophone records, supplied by the Talkeries. These concerts are heard north of Wanganui in one direction, and as far as Nelson and Kaikoura in the South Island, with cue valve sets.