ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 15 September 1926, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

GRAND THEATRE TO-NIGHT,

“THE DESERT’S PRICE.” Those who ask for real dramatic action along with thrills should not fail to see ‘The Desert’s Price,” the William Fox production starring Buck Jones, which ,is to be screened at the Grand Theatre to-night and again at the Opera House to-morrow. In this picture Jones is seen at his best in the character of the handsome young owner of a large 'cattle ranch who returns from the East to find his property under a cloud of suspicion. After some clover detective work he establishes the guilt of the real culprits and brings the story to its thrilling climax. Ho .is well supported by a cast, which includes Florence Gilbert,- Edna Marion, Ernest Butterwoith, Arthur Houseman, and Montague Love. There is an excellent, programme of supports.

OPERA HOUSE’ —TO-NIGHT

"THE GiONDOI/lERS.’-’

To-night at 8 o’clock, at the Opera House, the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company, numbering over 80 artists, which has just terminated the most successful vseason ever known by a theatrical company jn Auckland, will make their only appearance here in the most popular of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, “The Gondoliers.” New and magnificent dresses were created for the Melbourne production, costing over £2OOO to produce, will be seen this evening. A feature of the representation will be the scenery, which was painted rec'ently by IV. S. Coleman. Local playgoer® have pleasant memories of the talented London comedian Mr. Charles A. Walenn, and he is certain to receive a, hearty welcome when he appears 1 this evening as the Duke of Plaza-Toro. Another artist artist who i,s well and favourably known here is Mr. James Hay, who has delighted us on a former occasion by his brilliant interpretation of the part- of Marco and his perfect rendering of the number ‘‘Take a, Pair of Sparkling Eyes.” Miss Strella Wilson, who is said t-o be the finest soprano the Australian stage has known, will make her debut in the fine singing part of Castilda. Mr. Sydney Granville will present his splendid characterisation of Don Algambra, which he portrayed with success in London, andl Mr. Leo Darnton, another English artist, will appear as Luiz. Miss Williamson comes with a. big London reputation, won by her excellent interpretation of the part of the Duchess of Plaza-Toro, Miss Patti Russell will appear as Gianetta, Miss, Mabel Gibson as Tessa, Mr. Lance Fairfax as Guiseppe. Miss Anna Bethell as Inez and Miv'Gordon Ramsay as Antonio. A big feature of,the production of “The Gondoliers” will be the full operatic orchestra and chorus, which are under the direction of Gustave Slapoffski. The production was staged under the personal supervision of Miss Minnie Everett and Mr Richard Shortland is the stage manager. The box plans are at Everybody’s Sweet Shop,