ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 17, Issue 288, 22 August 1923, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

“CAIRO.” For opulence of stage dressing and artistry in scenic elaboration, one 1 would have to seek far for anything finer than “Cairo,” tho Egyptian pageant now being presented by its author, Mr. Oscar Asche, at the Grand Opera Hous*. No other producer known here gives such faithful impressions of the colour, light and shade, and animated grouping, of the East as docs Mr. Asche. The dominating personality of Mr. Asche as Ali Shar, is almost overwhelming, and it dwarfs into comparative insignificance most of the other players in the long caste. However, Mr. G. Ide, as Prince Nur, Mr. Wensley Russell as the clown Abu and Mr. Mason Wood as tho intriguing Chinaman, do honest work very well indeed. Miss Benia Gold, who, plays the role of Zummarud (acted in London by Miss Lily Brayton) j is prettv, but somewhat undistinguished,, and Miss Doris Champion does passibly well m, the dramatic role of the outraged ex'-Sultan’s wife. Mr. Percy Fletcher’s music strikes a high barbaric note throughout the performance. most particularly in the Bacchanal scene, where Prince Nur’s followters riot in unbridled fury until they fall down in a state of utter and complete prostration. A matinee performance of “Cairo” will be given on Saturday afternoon. Box plans for the extended season of “Cairo” will he opened at the Bristol to-morrow (Thursday) morning, and the plans for “Chu Chin Chow” will be opened on Monday morning. “Cairo” will be staged until Wednesday next, and “dm Chin Chow” will close the season. ' EMPRESS THEATRE. “Minnie,” featuring Leatrice Joy and Matt Moore, is now showing at the Em press Theatre. “Minnie” is a delightful character study. She is unlovely, but her heart is free and happy. The cast is superb. Miss Joy wears some ravishing gowns in the latter part of the picture, and the settings aro a fitting background for her unusual charm. The supports ere good. “Smilin’ Through,” Norma Talmadge’s screen version of Allen Langdon Martin’s famous stage play, will be a special attraction at 'he Empress Theatre on Friday. According to advance reports this is the biggest screen achievement of Miss Talmadge. The production has been filmed on a lavish scale under the direction of Sidney Franklin. A cast of unusual excellence appears in support of the star, and includes Wyndham Standing and Harrison Ford. Miss Talmadge plays a. dual role in a dramatic story of great heart interest, which, it is said, gives the star a great opportunity to exercise her extraordinary, talents ns a wonderful emotional and dramatic actress. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Wesley (“Freckles”) Barry, now featuring in “Rags to Riches at Everybody's Theatre, fully sustains his reputation as the greatest child actor of the screen. As a boy brought up in society wanting nothing that money can procure and yet longing for the exciting life of a street urchin, he makes °a picture intensely interesting and with the power of a direct appeall. The supporting film, Conquering the Woman,” depicts an attempt to tame a strong-willed, thoroughly spoiled girl. There is also the second episode of “The Timber Queen.” Special music is provided by a good orchestra. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Stiffy and Mo, in a most diverting revue, “At tlie Club,” now showing irt His Majesty’s Theatre, .give the best account of themselves since the opening of a lengthy season. The humour is clean and causes uncontrollable laughter. The songs are catchy and rich in melody, and the whole revue is staged with a fine eye for effect. The Royal Grand Opera Singers gain enthusiastic applause by their spirited rendering off selections from some ot the most popular of the operas, the most astounding performance of the evening .is the turn of the Fredo Brothers, eccentric acrobatic violinists. Pat and Paula Hansen fully curtain their reputations as eccentric dancers. There is also shown an interesting Gazette of wotld news, while the orchestra renders; an appropriate selection of incidental music. PRINCESS THEATRE. “The Mark of Zorro,” now showing at the Princess Theatre, is one long succession of adventurous stunts done in the most approved Fairbanks manner. Ethel Clayton features in an absorbingly dramatic story gf domestic life entitled “Exit the Vamp.” There are also a Mack Sennett comedy, Up In Alf’s Room,” and a Topical Gazette as supports. COMPETITIONS SOCIETY. Considerable inteitest in being manifested in connection with the annual festival vf the Wellington Competitions Society, which is to commence in the Town Hall on Saturday next, and which will not conclude until September 15. The entries received number 3015 an increase of 675 over last year, which marks the festival as the greatest of its kind ever held in Australia or New Zealand. The society has secuned judges of the very front rank in their respective professions, and it is hoped that as a result the numerous competitors will benefit very considerably from the advice, and criticisms which they will receive. . A special- feature of this ylear’s festival will be the choral contests. Largo entries have been received for the items, and in connection with the State schools choral contort, nine schools will take part and compete for the challenge shield which has been presented by the Wellington music traders. This will probably ble the most interesting class in the whole competitions. Competitors and others interested in the championships will welcome tide decision of the society to display the progress of these classes from day to day in the main vestibule of tho Town Hall. The box plan for the whole season is now open at the Bristol. and the public aife requested to secure "their scats early. AMBASSADOR CABARET The artistic decorations at the Ambassor are truly suggestive of ancient Egypt, whilst the specially-arranged programme of Eastern musio includes many favourite selections. An additional attraction to tho dainty, luncheons now served at the Ambassador is the opportunity that patrons have of dancing to an excellent orchestra. Reservations for any session can be made. per telephone. CONCERT AT HUTT. An appreciative audience attended tho Town Hall, Lower Hutt, on Monday evening, when a concert was given under the auspices of the Hute Valley Hockey Club. An excellent programine of songs, humorous sketches, violin solos, and. a dramatic recital was given. The following contributed to the pro-s gramme:—Madame Emily Briggs, and Miss J. Netterville, Miss Constance BerriH, Miss Maud Eldeston, Mr. C. Brisks, Mr. T. Jenkins, Mr. W. Marshall, Mr. Leon de Mauny. and Mr. Barton Ginger. Mr. Frank Thomas was accompanist and the concert was under the direction of Mr. Barton Ginger. The proceeds are to be devoted to tho accident fund.