ENTERTAINMENTS

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 20 February 1932, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE

“LET US 'BE GAY.”

Norma 'Shearer is starred by Metio-I Go 1 dwyn-/Mayer in the -picturisation oi “Let Us Be Gay,” which shows tonight and on Monday night and finally on Tuesday at the Hawera Opera House. This is Miss fifth tfl/lKiug picture and is regarded by critics as the smartest performance of her career. 'The story is an amusing tale of a woman who loses her husband’s affection because she neglects her appearance in an over-efficient absorbance in household duties. A few years in Paris, however, teachers her a number of things she had never thought of before and she returns in time to prevent her ex-husband from marrying a charming but entirely unsophisticated debutante. Playing opposite the star is Piod La Bocque, popular silent, picture leading man who has risen to fresh honours in talkies. Eocque plays the part of the husband. Heading the supporting cast in Marie Dressier, who plays the colourful role of an eccentric dowager. An excellent supporting programme includes “Another Pine Mess” (Laurel and Hardy comedy) and M.G.M. News. The box plan may ibe seen at Miss Blake’s. GRAND THE ATE E. “YOUNG DOXOVAX'S KID.” “Young Donovan’s Kid” is Radio 1 Pictures’ adaptation of Hex Beach’s novel, “Big Brother.” It will be presented to-night at the .Grand 'Theatre, iHawera, and will show finally on Monday. Dix is seen as Jim Donovan, New York gangster of the pre-war period, when bootlegging was unknown, machine guns unheard of in gang circles, and chieftains fought it out with steel fists and rugged nerve. Jackie Cooper is cast as Midge Murry, waif of the streets who is entrusted to the care of Donovan, and who ultimately assists in the reformation of the gangster. “Young Donovan’s Kid” presents a lesson in its picturisation of pre-war gangland. Comparison of the old methods with present-day racketeering tHe menace to peace and security in the activities and increasing power of the modern gangster in America. In addition to Dix and Jackie i Cooper the cast includes Marion Shilling and Prank Sheridan. “Finger Prints,” shows on the same programme.

‘THE GONDOLIERS,’' COMING TO OPERA HOUSE, “The Gondoliers,” which J. C. Williamson's new Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company will present at the Opera House, Hawera, on Monday, February 29, is undoubtedly one of the best and most popular of the works of the famous collaborators. It is brimming over with delicious melodies, delightful musical numbers, clever dialogue, genuinely humorous comedy, brilliant ensembles, beautiful ballets, and it lends itself to picturesque stage settings and gorgeous costuming. From among its musical numbers probably the best known are, ‘‘Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes,” “When Alone Together,” “There was a Time.” “When a Merry Maiden Marries,” “Kind Sir. You cannot have the Heart,” “Rising Early in the Morning,” “There Lived a King,” “On the Day that I was Wedded,” “I am a Courtier Grave and Serious,” “In a Contemplative Fashion,” and “Here is a Case Unprecedented.” Mr. Ivan Menzies, who will make Iris first appearance here in the role of the Duke of Plaza Tore, is said to be the finest Gilbert and Sullivan comedian that has ever appeared in Australia, and outstanding successes were achieved in Sydney by Mr. Gregory Straucl and Miss Evelyn Gardiner, both of whom were leading members of the Gilbert and Sullivan London company. Miss Marie ' Bremner, who last visited New Zealand with “The Desert Song” company, will make her initial appearance here in a Gilbert and Sullivan opera in the role of Ginnetta. which will give her scope for her talents as a singer and a dancer. Lee Darnton, Bernard Manning, and John Ralston have on previous occasions delighted us with their brilliant characterisations in the works of the collaborators, and Miss Maisie Ramsay and Miss Mary Hotliam, two young Australian singers, will appear in the important parts of Casilda and Tessa. An outstanding feature of the Opera is the brilliant work of the chorus and ballet and a full operatic orchestra is under the baton of Mr. Gustave Slapoff.ski.