A FRENCH PLAY

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 181, 26 April 1924, Page 15

A FRENCH PLAY

The role of “Zaza” probably haa been played by more actresses in stock companies than any other part of the stage in the last twenty-five rears Mrs. Leslie Carter originated the role in America in .1809 J«st a few months after Mme. Rejanc created the role in Paris. In the operatic veision of the play Geraldine Farrar was the star and in the first sciecn pioduction of the play, which was made in 1915, Pauline Frederick was “Zaza.” Gloria Swanson is the fourth “Zaza” (a Paramount pictuie . this time). Lavish settings and picturesque investiture are featuies of the production. _______ Sir Harry Lauder is going to make still another farewell tom of the world, starting in O? .He visit Egypt, the far >st the hilhi> pines, Australia, New Zealand ana South Africa.. Mr E J- Carroll has completed arrangements for Pavlova, the famous Russian danseuse, Stefansson, the explorer, Jand .’Sir Harry Laud'll, to tour Australia. Stelansson he says, is assured of success in Aust! alia he explorer has a remarkab e personality, and lectures enthrallingly on his adventurous life. He should appear in Sydney on May 31. Of all the foreign directors now working on American productions, Ernst Lubitsch is the best, known. He directed the famous Passwn a " d “Gypsv Blood,” which made Pda Negri'so'popular. It is significant that he beo-an work as a character actoi in burltesque Jewish roles, which gave him a practical knowledge of comedy in addition to his natural genius lor spectacular mob .scenes. His art in handling masses is unsurpassed. Mai - per Brothers were fortunate to secure his services as director for ‘ The Marriage Circle,” a stupendous Master Picture. Musgrove Celebritv Vaudeville, under the direction of Mr. R. A. Shej> ard is firmly established at The livoli Theatre. Wellington. New acts to appear this Saturday, are Windsor Edgar and Kelleway, described as three men, two violins and a plaintive baritone ; also to be seen for the first time in this theatre is Donald Stuart, the high and mighty magician. Next week’s new attractions will include the vivacious impersonator Estelle Rose. After a temporary retirement from the stage of over twelve months George Edwardes has been re-engaged bv Sir Benjamin Fuller and Mr. John Fuller for a lengthy tour of their vaudeville circuit. Since he was last seen h€rei Air. Edwardes (has completed a tour of the world and brought back with him a series of. diverting comedy sketches. His opening act is entitled “An Indian Night.” Joyous jazz, a SsA'ine dancer, a romantic theme, sprinkled with smart dialogue and a love lyric, will be found in tho new offering, which should prove extremely popular here. Estelle Rose when giving character studies at the Tivoli Theatre shortly, will wear a gorgeous froefc.. The sheath like fourreau is of kingfisher bine satin charmant and over it. is swarthed drape of tissue brocade which falls from an Egyptian necklace. The upper section of this drape is in the shape of a pyramid and then as it extends towards the back over the waist it is wrapped in clinging folds to be caught at the back and then hang in flowing lines over the blue. Its effect is brilliant for the colours in the weave embrace lacquer red, purple, deep blue, gold and mauve. Three Paramount stars, supported by a cast of popular players, and directed by William de Mille. are seen in “Clarence,” the seven-reel Paramount production now screening at the Artcraft Theatre. Tho stars are Wallace Reid, Agnes Ayres, and May McAvoy, and the picture, adapted from Booth Tarkington’s play, deals humorously with the efforts of Clarence Smith to patch up the squabbles and squawkings of the discontented Wheeler family. The story carries a fine message, despite the fact that, it has been created mostly for laughing purposes. This week the starring attraction at the Queen’s Theatre will be a Paramount offering, “His Children’s Children,” an adaption of the celebrated novel by Arthur . Train. It. i« the storv of three generations in which the follies of our fathers are compared with the shortcomings of the voung folk of the present day. The all-star cast includes Bebe Daniels. Mahlon Hamilton, and Dorothy MacKail.