ENTERTAINMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 18 June 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE STUDENT PRINCE. AT OPERA HOUSE. At the Opera House to-morrow evening, J. C. Williamson (Ltd.) present tlieir Royal Comic Opera Company, playing one of tlie greatest comic opera isuocessris of recent years, “The Student Prince. ’’ Local theatre-goers and lovers of music and comic opera will rejoice at the announcement that ‘‘The Student Prince” is to be staged here, the piay is onei of the most important musical offerings, of the century and tar exceeds in beauty and loveliness its far-famed predecessor “Lilac Time.” “The general public is always right. Whenever it crowds a theatre for a musical or dramatic production, you may well conclude that something extraordinary is being ottered. ’> This is .'the observation ot on© of th© leading critics of Melbourne after he had seen ‘.'l'ne Student Prince” for the fifth time. He was standing in the lobby of His Majesty's Theatre as the outgoing audience' passed him with exclamations of delight at the performance they had just seen. That “The Student Prince” is a musical gem is conceded by the many thousands of especially music lovers, who liave flocked to so© this play. Not alone for the beauty of its music does the “Student Prince” obtain for itself a position among the classics of the musical world, but in the sdmpiicitv and charm of its tender love story.* The Royal Comic Opera Company includes Bepipie de Vries, the sweetheart of Holland, as leadinrr lady, supported by James Liddv. Frank Webster, Hedvey Hall, Arthur Stigant, Adele Crane, Vera Spaaill. Conrad Charlton, John Forde, -Millie Engler and Herbert Browne, and the 40 singing students.

OPERA HOUSE, TO-NIGHT

“THE RAWHIDE KID.”

“The Rawhide Kid’’ will commence at the Opera House to-night. It is the latest Universal-Jewel production, with the always popular Hoot Gibson in the starring role, and it promises to be one of the most entertaining pictures that personable and talented man has ever made. The newest offering, like most of Hoot’s pictures, consists largely of comedy, with Gibson, as usual, contributing most of the humour by his solemn-faced antics. A large cast of well-known screen performers gives him valuable assistance. Georgia Hale, the pretty miss, who will be remembered for her work in “The Gold Rush” and other productions, plays the feminine .lead, and the balance ol : the cast includes Frank Hagney, Wm. H. Strauss, Harry Todd, and others. “The Rawhide Kid” was adapted from Peter B. Kyne’s story “The Lion and the Lamb,” and directed by Del Andrews. There is a full programme in support.

BIG ATTRACTION COMING

“THE FUN OF ARCHIE.”

It is 12 months since theatregoers were revelling in the delights of “No. No, Nanette,” and “Lady, Be Good,” two musical comedies presented by Sir Benjamin and John Fuller. Undivided appreciation made these plays two of the biggest musical comedy triumphs ever scored in the Dominion, and even now instant enthusiasm responds to the names of Elsie Prince, Jimmy Godden, Charlton Morton, Nelle Dean, and all the other members of the company who became such favourites during the New Zealand season. Anticipation is now running riot, for all these pleasing folk will once more be with us in the presentation of “Archie,” commencing at tiie Opera. House on Wednesday, June 27. Scores of delightful associations will thus once more be renewed. At St. James’ Theatre, Sydney, “Archie” recently eclipsed even the notable triumphs of “No, No, Nanette,” and “Lady, Be Good,” and a thorough treat promises to be in store for all who 'See this lively, laughable, and spectacular comedy farce. Over 70 performers take part in the production, and the inclusion of a. vast ballet and chorus combination makes a special feature of the piece.

OPERA HOUSE

COMMENCING WEDNESDAY NEXT.

“MOTHER MACHREE.”

“Mother Machree,” a Fox Films production, .suggested by the worldfamous song of the same, name, will head the new programme to commence its season at the Opera House on Wednesday next. The story is one of sacrifice and mother love, the scenes being laid 1 in Ireland and New York. At.the opening of the picture Ellen McHugh, “Mother Miachree,” a widow with a young son, is confronted with the task of raising the boy, whose father, although poor, was a gentleman. She decides to go to America, and en route to embark at Queenstown encounters a troupe of travelling showmen, headed by ... the Giant of Kilkenny. Taking pity on the widow, the giant, a sympathetic, warm-hearted man, travels across to America with the pair. When the widow finally obtains work in America she finds that the only way to raise her son as a gentleman is to renounce him and give him to the care of a

wealthy New York family who are willing to adopt him. The boy is told she is dead. Years pass, and the mother is employed by the family of the rich girl with whom' her son is in love. The climax is reached when mother and son meet again, the close of the picture being poignant and dramatic in the extreme. In the principal role is Belle Bennett, who achieved fame as th© result of her performance in “Stella Dallas,” others in the cast being Neil Hamilton, Victor McLaglen, Ted McNamara. Ethel Clayton and Phillipe de Lacey.