AMUSEMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 March 1926, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

OPERA HOUSE.

“New Toys,” which comes to t.be .. Opera House to-night, presents Mary Hay in the leading role with her husband, Richard Barth'elmess. The picture unfolds a story of domestic trials of a young manned couple who find their happiness jeopardised by meddling, friends. Barthelmess plays his first comedy role in years us the husband whose wife, encouraged by a. former suitor, tries to seek fame, on the stage. The husband meets a girl to whom he used to be and she is responsible for additionaji disturbances in the troubled household. TO-MORROW.

One of the most costly sets was built for the flood scenes that form an important sequence in “On the Banks of the Wabash,’’ which will be shown at the Opera House to-morrow (Friday) night only. A complete town was constructed at low tide at /Manhasset Bay on T.ong Island Sound, so that when the water rose eight feet at high tide the town would be completely inundated. This is the first time that a director has taken advantage of the tides to achieve realistic flood scenes. This flood furnishes the elements for a sensational, climax to the story ol life in a typical small town. “ARE YOU A MASON?.’ One of the most successful comedies ever produced by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., is ‘‘Are Xou a Mason?” Its reputation is world-wide, and it certainly possesses a most original plot combined with the most humorous situations. Two men, one the father-in-law, the other the son-in-law, are, through certain domestic circumstances, compelled to pretend that they are Freemasons, and each carefully watches the other for secret signs, etc., so that he might reply with similar .signs. As neither man has any idea of Masonry, much less the secret signs of the Masonic Order, their actions bring forth screams of laughter. Some bright musical gems and characteristic dances, help to make “Are You a Mason?” one of the best musical comedies ever produced. The company is under the management of D. B. O’Connor, and he is supported by a full cast of piincipals who have recently broken all records ,in Australia. The play will be shown for one night only at Blackball to-night, and at Runanga to-morrow'(Friday). AUNT. When they say it’s enough to make a cat laugh, they don’t go quite far enough. “Charley’s Aunt,” with D. B. O’Connor, is enough to make a crowd laugh, even those: “crabs” that never admit it’s the play that makes them .laugh, it is only that they are feeling good. “Charley’s Aunt” is the funniest comedy that’s ever been staged. It is a clean, wholesome story whose great charm and appeal, lie in the simplicity. of its humour interpreted by a cast of comedians who have caught

the spirit of the farce and have carried it through to a hilarious success. D. B. O’Connor, like the true comedian he is, has the audience completely in his grip light througout the performance. Every movement, every lift of the eyebrows, every “line,” evokes a humorous reaction from his audience; yet he himself, seldom or never as much as smiles. The simple story of a college boy who assumes the part of an elderly aunt in order to help his chums win the girls they love is told in the “straight from the shoulder” manner, which is delightful and refreshing. There is not a single slow movement from the time the curtain rises till the end of the performance. The box plans for the season will be on view on Saturday morning, when seats may be reserved. The season is for one night only.

CAMERONS SCHOOL CONCERT. The Camerons school children will hold a grand concert- in the Paroa Hall, Paroa, at 8 o’clock to-morrow (Friday) evening. For some weeks past the children from this school have been diligently rehearsing their parts, with the result that they have reached a very high standard of efficiency. Patrons to-morrow night will be regaled with a varied programme of song, recitation and other items by these clever little dots. A dance will follow the concert, particulars of which may be obtained from the advertisement in another column of this issue.