ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 2 June 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE—TO-NIGHT. RAMON NOVARRO IN “THE ROAD TO ROMANCE.” In the making of “The Road; to Romance,” Ramon Novarro has achieved one of the ambitions of his life —to star in a picture in which his own people appear. This production comes nearest to shovying oil classes of the romantic Spanish race. It is based on the famous story “Romance,” by Joseph Conrad, and will be shown at the Opera House to-night for the last time. A more adventurous thrilling and truly romantic picture could not have been chosen for Ramon Novarro, who reached the heights of public esteem by reason of his work in “Ben Hur.” Marceline Day has the leading feminine role opposite Novarro, and plays the part with striking sincerity and charm. Roy D’Arcy has the “heavy” role, and he works with all his accustomed verve and thoroughness. Other members of a strong, well-chosen cast are Marc MacDerm ott, Cesare Gravina, Bobby Mack, Otto Matieson and Jules Co ™»» -vriShr aafirws; ring (“Mr Lady’s Happiness ). The box' plan is at Miss Blake’s sweet Shop. GRAND THEATRE, 10-NIGHi “LADIES MUST DRESS.” “Ladies Must Dress,” a production featuring Virginia D “ Lawrence Gray, will be shown at the Grand Theatre to-night, it »* comeuy-arama, haseu upon mods n Etc and centering ahout the ioveauan a quiet little working g-ui "ho dasap points her sweetheart becauses ot the severity of her dresses. Victor tieei man wrote tlie story and has directed it with broad understanding, lhe «st includes Earle Foxe, Nancy Carroll and Sam Cooley. Also on the same programme will be shown the serial \“ - penng Smith Rides,” comedy and box News.

THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN SUNBEAMS. COMING TO HAWERA. The Roval Australian Sunbeams, the juvenile musical revue company that is to appear at tlie Opera House on Monday and Tuesday, June 11 and; 12, has created a very big impression throughout the length and breadth oi >,ew Zealand, if one may judge from tne scores of eulogistic criticisms appearing in the leading newspapers. During their Dunedin season the “Star” said: “The Sunbeams spanned: at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday to two excellent houses. As bright and buoyantly happy as their name would denote, the Sunbeams dispelled any gloom which the snap of wintry weather' might have caused. They are the cleverest company of juveniles_to visit New Zealand in a revue. . . The Sunbeams are natural, and experience has removed any trace of amateurism. For their ages and sizes they are remarkably clever, and more entertaining than an adult revue company. Ranging from tiny tots of seven summers to robust girls of 16 years, the Sunbeams dance and sing their. way to success with youthful spontaneity and abandon. ... For two and a half hours they provide finished entertainment. The chorus is exceptionally melodious and powerful for singers so young, while the ballets and soli produce some delightful dancers. Only three of the children have appeared previously on a. Dunedin stage, and they were with the Eleven Wonders. One of the features of the show was the stunts of the acrobats. The little girls hurtled themselves ahout the stage with surprising speed and agility, giving a faultless performance. The tiniest children are wonders — reallv human cart wheels, revolving at high speed. The Royal Australian Sunbeams present something altogether quite novel, excellently staged and: costumed.” The local season is strictly limited to two nights and two “after-school” matinee performances.

ORCHESTRAL, CONCERT,

HAWERA ON TUESDAY

A GREAT PROGRAMME.

Tuesday evening next at the Opera House, Hawera, will see wlrat will be a noteworthy performance by the Hawera Orchestral Society, when it will present the first concert of the 1928 season. At this concert there will be special features which will serve to make the programme of exceptional interest. The oi'chestral numbers will be specially good, combining musical excellence with a. popular taste and are certain to prove most attractive. Under Mr Fox the orchestra will play the fine overture “Morning, Noon and Night ill Vienna”. (Suppe), a very interesting setting of the popular song “The Rosary” (Nevin), and the weirdly beautiful symphonic poem “Finlandia” (Sibelius). In addition to these a new feature will be introduced in the form of guest conductor numbers when Mr V. Lester, of Stratford, and formerly conductor of the Mt. Albert Society in Auckland, w T ill take control and Mr Fox 1 will play the oboe under him. . Tire tyvo numbers will be the lovely suite “Minnehaha,” comprising four sections — “Laughing Water,” “The Pursuit,’’ “Love Song” and “The Home Coming” —and also a selection from Puccini’s opera “La Boheme.” . These numbers will comprise a series of great interest and will form a select tion that will rank with the best the society has ever given. For this concert the numbers too will be the largest that has ever played in Hawera, totalling no less than fifty-five members and covering tlie whole gamut of the complete orchestra. It is a great

feat for suclx a combination of instrumentalists to be brought together by the society. The orchestra will be supported by three solo artists, each of tvliom is a popular and competent musician. Violin solos wall be played by Miss Betty Sturrock (A.R.A.M., L.A.8.), who returned last year from London after several yeans’ work at the academy. She will play two. numbers, “Tempo di Menuetto” (Pugnani-Kreis-ler) and “Bartfai Emlek,” a beautiful Hungarian Folk Dance.. The solo vocalist will be Miss Mary Barnes, of Hawera, a young mezzosoprano, who has made herself very popular in the district. She will sing the great “Flower Song” from Faust, and “Morning” (Olev Speaks). Another new form of solo for a orchestral concert, wil be the xylophone number “Serenade” (Schubert) by Mr Rupert George. _ The accompaiustes will be Misses D. Joll and E. Elliott. . Patrons are advised to book their seats at once, because of the demand already shown and because of the fact that Monday is a holiday. Seats may be reserved at'Miss Blake’s store at the Opera House. ’