ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 54, 28 November 1923, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

’’‘THE CAT AND THE CANARY.” “The Cat and the Canary,” now being produced at the Grand Opera House, is a mystery play full of thrills. The grip it has on the members of an audience is such that they are conscious of impending disaster, full of tragedy and horror. But they dare not relax their attention, The quality of the acting which brings out to the full the grimness of .the events ensures that. There is a mystery to be solved from the very outset; the audience is working for the solution, only to be baffled by the complexity of the situation and the characters. The play sweeps through with almost breathless swiftness to a great and unexpected climax. EMPRESS THEATRE. “Wandering Daughters,” now showing at the Empress Theatre, is drawing full houses. It is full of incidents, both dramatic and humorous. It represents two diametrically opposite views of Ilf©} i'll© 0110 of tho man who does not permit his daughter to indulge in the modern craze for jazzing, and the other-of the man who leaves his daughter with discretionary powers. The acting of an all-star cast gives added force to u strong story. There are excellent supports, the music of the orchestra is delightful, while a novelty is introduced in a idance by little Billy Murphy. KING’S THEATRE. Agnes Ayres has been featured in no better picture than “The Heart Raider,” now showing at the King s Theatre, it is full of rich humour, keeping the audience on the happiest terms with itself. It shows plainly the worry that may be occasioned to others by the irresponsible waywardness. of a spoilt girl. “The Forgotten Law” is a grim tragedy which leaves e. vivid impression on the minds of the spectators. There are good supports, and the music of tho orchestra is a distinctive feature. POLA NEGRI IN “BELLA DONNA.” “The most-discussed woman on the screen at the present time,” is a description of Pola Negri, the famous Russian star, who will be seen in the Paramount picture “Bella Donna,” at the King’s Theatre, commencing Friday ngxt. Special interest attaches to the fact that this is the first time that Miss Negri has been presented to the New Zealand public under the direction of American producers. The story is adapted from the novel by Robert Hichens, and tells of a woman who was destined to adopt the name of Bella Donna. Miss Negri is at her best in the portrayal of the notorious woman who marries Nigel Armine, an English engineer. When they go out to Egypt, the snell of the tropics completely transforms the woman, and when she meets Baroudi, an Eastern potentate, she is fascinated and yet repelled by his mysterious charm. Finding that her husband is to lose his hereditary title, this woman of chance is persuaded by the sinister Baroudi to poison her husband. Armine barely escapes death, and when he learns the truth, their separation follows. Then cames the supreme tragedy of the story—her return to Baroudi, only to find herself scorned. Retribution exacts from her a terrible price—her end is terrible. Miss Negri is supported by Conrad Nagel, and Conway Tearle, and an all-star cast of Paramount players. “Bella Donna” is Said to be one of thq most lavishly produced pictures of the year, and not the least feature of the production is the gorgeous array of gowns worn by the star. The supporting programme is excellent, whilst a special musical score will be rendered by tho King’s select orchestra. The box plan is at the Bristol. After 5.30 seats can also be booked at the theatre telephone, 22—212. .“THE BEGGAR’S OPERA.” At the Grand Opera House on SatIrrday night J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will produce for the first time in New Zealand “The Beggar’s Opera.” Although 200 years old, this opera has never yet been a failure, wherever it has appeared. Its present run in London is in the fourth year, and there are only four record-breakers left to be overtaken, two of these being “The Maid of the Mountains,”, and “Chu Chin Chow.” Playgoers here, while being able to enjoy one of the meiriest entertainments ever submitted to them, will it. is promised receive a rare insight into the life of England 200 years ago, for as the Beggar himself says, “there is not an honourable or honest man or woman in the play.” The play goes along, tongue in cheek, with simperings, struttings, postures aping the artificial play-acting of the period, with dialogue well night unprintable to-day, and the most astounding villainies in verse, set to tunes that will live for ever. These tunes, largely the London street music . of the time, are delightful. Prim and precise, suggestive of hymns . more than anything else, they provide a piquant contrast to the rascalities they clothe. The entertainment is described as one enjoyed the more as the play progresses, enioying still more on the second and third visit. The leading members of the cast are: Macheath (Mr. Hilton Osborne), Polly Peaclium (Miss Pauline Bindlev). Peachum (Mr. Reg. Roberts). The Beggar (Mr. Harry Schofield), Lockit (Mr. Geo. Willoughby), Mrs. Peachum (Miss Lily Malyon) Lucy Lockit (Miss Beryl Walkley). The box plans for tho season open tomorrow morning at the Bristol. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The great demand for. and the popularity of real jazz music is evidenced bv the reception • of Linn Smith’s Royal Jazz Band, at His Majesty’s Theatre. It is the star attraction, and the tricks that the artists plav with their instruments create much amusement. The other numbers are all good, and are well received. They include vocal items bv Trixie Ireland and Aston and Marshall; novelty dancing by Mabie and Malfe: and “Midnight Revels,” by the George Wallace Revue Company. The musical numbers are excellent. PRINCESS THEATRE. “On With the Dance.” starring Mae Murray, will be shown again to-day at the Princess Theatre. It is the sforv of a dance-mad girl, bom with rebellious blood in her veins and the love of pleasing in her heart. The second feature is “Ong Glorious Day,” in which Will Rogers is in the leading role. The supports are equally good. Commencing on Friday. James Kirkwood will be featured in The Man From Home.” and Ethel Clayton will appear in “Tho Cradle.” “THE KEWPTE CJTRE FOR GLOOM.” When the big Town Hall opens on ’ Saturday evening the people will see gardens’ of enchantment. Many a time for balls, bazaars, and other entertainments tho interior has been beautifully decorated, but all previous transformations of the hall will, it is stated. be eclipsed bv ''Tho Kewpies’ Fairyland.” The twenty-one groups of mere than a thousand fairies, pixies, and brownies will include lake fairies posvd on viator lilres.. rose fairies, dawn fairies, sunset Fairies, moonbeam fairies frost fairjes. green fairies, pmic fairies, blue fairies, all in verv allurino- settings. cloverlv arranged, and suitably lighted. “The Kewpies’ Fairyland’* is believed to he a world novelty representing a year’s hard work by very talented New Zealanders. Tho idea is one which must appeal to neoplo of all ages, of all creeds, and it is carried cut in a manner to command fofio pgaaso of everybody.