ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 2 March 1926, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

■PETER PAN. ’

OPERA HOUSE.

Like its famous character, Sir James M. Barrie’s story “Peter l J an” can never grow old. Jt> holds ir curiously magnetic attraction for both young and old such as have few fairy stories, 'the Herbert Brennon-Paramount screen version, written by Willis Goibeck, is almost as great as the original, and the audience at the Opera House last evening was delighted when it was shown for the first time in Hawera. Haying been’practically directed by the original author, the screen production beans a very close resemblance to Barnes “Peter Pan,” in fact all the essentials of the story are there with a number of minor improvements. The cast was very carefully chosen and the good judgment used by the selectors is veij apparent. Playing the title role, Miss Betty Bronson has achieved a veiy high measure of success in a dinicult- pajt. She is just a carefree, fun-loving hoy, who “does not want to grow up and be a man.” Miss Bronson is assisted by a number of “movie stars’ and a juvenile cast, which amply justilies the producer’s confidence. A number of extraordinary ehects have been introduced into the production, which makes the humble apology shown at the beginning quite unnecessary- The theatre orchestra played suitable operatic selections during the sceening last evening and this was much appreciated, “Peter Pan” will be shown in Hawera to-niglit and to-mor-row (Wednesday) evening. THE GRAND —TO-NIGHT. “THE MAILMAN.” “Men may come and men may go, but I go on for ever.” In this way the carriers of the postal service might paraphrase Tennyson’s immortal lines. It is because of the fact that the mailman must go on for ever, and is therefore ever-present in our consciousness, that he has long been overlooked when questions of extra consideration arise. Emory Johnson,, motion picture director, has just completed a film to call attention to the important service performed by 1 the men in blue. It is called “The Mailman,” and will be shown at the Grand this evening for one night only.

“LITTLE 80-PEEP” PANTOMIME,

Thursday night the English and Australian Pantomime Co., which was such a big success during its Auckland Christmas season, is to start a short season of two nights and a matinee at the Opera House, the opening production being “Little 80-Peep,” a sparkling pantomime with plenty of originality and many of the latest songs and dances. The matinee of “The Forty Thieves” on Friday, at 3.30, should be most interesting to the young folk, as special items are introduced that make a strong appeal to the children. The Wonder Rascals, amazing whirlwind acrobats, have made a name for themselves, no better turn of its kind having been seen either in Australia or New 'Zealand. The comedy is bright and up-to-date, and is well handled by Frank Perrin, Arthur Meredith, and Australia's funniest girl, Maude Stewart. Miss Ruth Bueknall is the beautiful fairy queen, who lends her aid in bringing the handsome principal boy (Laurie McLeod) and the dainty principal girl (Marjorie Abrahams) together. No lover of music should fail to hear Rene Rich, Australia’s wonder girl violinist, and A. E. Y. Benham, the handsome young singer that Melba declared had the finest bass voice in Australia. The dressing is beautiful, and the scenery is on an elaborate scale. “Bo Peep” is to be staged on Thursday at 8, and “The Forty Thieves” on Friday at 3.30 and 8 p.m. Seats may be reserved at Mrs. Cook’s.