ENTERTAINMENTS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 15 January 1925, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. “IT IS THE LAW.” “It is the Law,” the much-heralded Fox special production, opened at the Opera House las.t evening to a good audience, who enjoyed the screen version of one of last season’s New York stage hits. The highly dramatic angles of this mystery story were splendidly handled on the screen, and the work of the featured player, Arthur Hohl. stood out as one of the greatest bits of acting seen here in a long time. Hohl, one of New York’s latest stage favourites, makes his first appearance in films in this picture, and it was an auspicious, debut, he handling one of the most difficult and thrilling dual character roles in perfect -manner. “It is the Law” has been pm duced. It is chock full of. unusual and rich sets and backgrounds—gambling casinos, sumptuous apartments, a big courtroom scene and a half-dozen other locales that make interesting frames from its swift moving and dramatic, action. The season draws to a close to-night.

MUSICAL PLAY OF A CENTURY “THE MERRY WIDOW. ’ ’ At the Opera House, Hawera, on Wednesday next, : January 21, for one night only, the'J. C. Williamson Royal Comic Opera Company will present the quintessence of all light comic operas, “The Merry Widow.” The coming of the “Royal Comics” is always a welcome theatrical, event, especially as in the harmonious invasion they are headed by so fine an artist as Miss Gladys Moncrieff. It is the expressed opinion of the foremost of Australian critics that in this play as “Sonia” she has no peer the world oyer. It is a dashing, virile performance, magnificently acted and sung.—the music especially giving her many glorious vocal opportunities. Miss Moncrieff is said to be the gayest and most dramatic of “Merry Widows,” and she amply .justifies the many claims made for her hand during the progress of this delightful plaj r . The popularity of “The Merry Widow” never appears to wane. It. is certain that ho other light opera has attained its persistent magnetism for many years. It is the favourite musical play of ninetenths of play-goers, who never seem to tire of its charming music, sparkling humour, and interesting love story. An exceptionally fine cast is promised in interpretation. This includes such popular artists as Claude Flemming, Arthur Stigant, John Ralston, William Perryman, Blake Adams, Harry Ratcliffe, Tom Moore, Edmund Slierras, and Misses Beryl Walkeley, Nellie Payne. Mabel Gibbon, Hazel Meldrum. Miss Moncrieff’s performance of the inimitable “Sonia” is, it is stated, a complete revelation of the exposition of hitherto hidden beauties, of the supreme art of modern comic opera. The play will be mounted and presented in the best J. C. Williamson manner. The box plan will be opened at Cook’s (next Opera House) on Monday next.