AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17878, 26 August 1918, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE BING BOYS ARE HERE.” “ Tho Bing Boys are Heio ” is a queer mixture of musical comedy, revue and pantomimica, in which the customary succession of aoenes is replaced by numerous “ panels. The-so have more or less connection with the fact that tho two boys Bing, Lucifer and Oliver, have set out from their nativo village of Bingbampton to taste the fuller life os tho world’s metropolis. This sojourn in London high life was witnessed by what is professionally known no a “ capacity house 'at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night. After a'whirlwind orchestral effort under the direction of Mr Claude Solomon, the play opori3 with tho Bing brothers about to leave their country home, whereupon the “ slavey, Emma, docidcs that as her position is bad onough with the boys about, it will be intolerable when they leavo, and so she decides to return lo London too. llore she blossoms out into rometbmg more ambitious than a domestic, and encounters her old village acquaintances among the high lights. The company is very fortunate in securing two genuine comedians in J acic Cannot and aiCslie Holland to play tho title roles, while Minnie Love, as Emma, is ablo to raise the musical standard appreciably, at the same time infusing great personal charm into every part, in which she appears Tho play depends almost precariously on the personality of tho two comedians, and foituna.ely they arc able to carry the day very emphatically. Of course "Tho Bing Boys” brings a lot of an art. and calchy musical numbers, anil whiio these have had a oonsklcrablo vormo in advance of the play, they lose very little by familiarity, and it is I a genuine pleasure, for instance, to hear Jack Cannot and Minnie Lovo sing ‘‘lf You Were the Only Girl in tho World,,, or Minnie Lovo sing “ Every. Littlo While. Tho trio, “Another Little Drink Wont do 11s Any Harm/’ and Jack Cannot’s Good-by-e-o,” also nio already comedy classics. The paneL help to give rapid movement to a play that boasts, among other things, that he paino costume 13 not seen twico durin r the evening. The ballets are effectively dressed, and above all shapely, whiio tho mechanical effects are up to pantomime standard. The first scene, by W. It. Coleman, is cxtremoly effective, a»nd subsequently ip (ome very smart and tasty stag® creasing and furnishing. For tho work of tho artists engaged there can be nothing 1 u', praise. Jack Cannot, every time ho bounced out on tho stage, earned a hearty laugh on sight, end his songs and gags were first-rale, and in addition to numbors already mentioned, his singing of "I Stopped, and looitm, and Listened ” was very droll. Leslie Holland was usually boldine his own very ably 111 company with brother “ Lucy, and their 1-orcro with tho wino waiter in the hotel is quite in a class by itself, their subsequent encounter with two young ladies, Gcogoo and Baby, being very , refreshing. The prettiest scone is in Minnie Love’s tong, Little While,” where a dreeing table is flooded with champagne slisded light, the costumes wern by this young lady would be very kwd to doscribe, and in one of them the whole skirt is a mass of ostrich plumes, whiio tho hat has Prince of Wales feathers put quito into tho shade. Myxtlp Power and Hilda Guivor do some clever work ana attractive dressing, while on tho male side Billy Hearne, George Brown, Fred England. Robert M’Kinnon. William Stewart and 1. Hutchinson are evcnlv cast. The Flamo Girl, Hazel Wilson, who accompanies 811110 Henrne’fl song. "Firelight Fancies, is a wonderful pieco of staging, a olever illusion suggesting that the flame girl, in filmy golden robes is . standing Salamandor-like in the middle of a firo without being consumed. One notablo panel is a bur.oaquo drama, " On and Off the Stage,” in which Jack Can. not as Gonzalez, tho heavy cavalier, and Minnie Lovo as Lady Beatrice, share the honours with Sir Herbert, played by Charles Howard, and the stage manager, played by William Stewart. This is an uproariously funny burlesque with eome clever work throughout. There are somo ambitiously mounted balletl, first of all coming a surprise as three girls descend from three great bells in mid-air. and are swung out over the footlights in a very sparkling finale to one of the panels. An oven more beautiful effoot is secured in Regina Seaton’s swing oong, whore not only tho awing but the whole stage is covored with floral fostoons while tho pack of tho stago is occupied by a dozen young ladies sitting in tiers with green costumes and parasols. Tho Chincao laquer scone, and Minnie Lovo’s “Chin Chin Chow song and chorus is hardly Ipse striking. The cleverm chorus is ouo that accompanies Jack Cannot s “ Good-bye-eo ” song, where * squad o, young ladies, in a wolcome variant from the usual stage khaki, come out with signalling and drill smartly under tho comedian s command. The most striking is one that Billy Hearne s song, Mu.y urn Milliner,” a very strong ballot forming a pyramid with milliner's boxes, through which their he.ids and shoulders appear. i‘ or novolty it would be hard to boat the ballet of antidilivuan old ladies, who appear in very old fashioned costumes and gradually renew their youth as the dance proceeds. Another very pretty ono is tho crinoline dance, ’• laV.dois » Day," led by Nclno rayuc. uio same young lady in “ Make a Fuss Over Me ” is accompanied by half a dozen joy babies,” in other words. “ knuts.' The only complaint regarding the danoing is that thoro .is not nearly enough of it. Clyde Cook, whoso occentrio appoorances »to always an ontertainmont in themsclvos, puts on a weird turn called “Pussy Foot,” full of the most laughablo interludes, but exhibiting marvellous footwork and acrobatics. With Mao Baird, Clyde Cook appears in one or two other clever dances, which, are quite pleasurable and novel, and altogether the dancing is a strong feature. "Tho Bing Boys" will bo repeated tonight.

OPERA HOUSE. The customary change of programme will take place at the l Opera House this evening when what is olaimed hy the management to bo tho moat attractive bill for many weeks will bo presented. The Walter Georgo Sunshine Players, now firm favourites with Christchurch patrons, will stage their fourth tabloid musical comedy, which is entitles “The Grand Hotel.” The story deals with exciting incidents that happen at a fashion* Uj.j jiotOi. THO plot, as usual, however, serves merely to introduce a number of attractively dreseed ballets, humorous situations and tuneful and catchy vocol numbers, and suitable parts have been allotted the prtnetThe vaudeville bill will be notable for the first appearance in this city on_ the I-ullcr circuit of tho well-known operatic baritone. Wallace Brownlow, tho creator of several characters in the original production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas in London, the Fuller -proprietary rank tho appearance of Mr Brownlow on tho circuit as one of the tlr.n's mo so notable bookings of recent years. Burns and Le Clero will. be wen in a stepdancing turn, and Bessie Lester, a clever Amoricnn comedienne, will be beard in a bu-ugo. of the latest songs, some humorous and others in a more serious strain. Hugbie Ogilvie, who is one of tho best comedians on the vaudeville stage, will enter on lus second week, and will sing new songs and tell fresh stories. Welle and Wei s, a team of clever comedy gymnasts, arc also on the bill. The box plan is at Messrs Milner and Thompson’s. “ PEG CVMY*HEARS.” The J. and N. Tait English Comedy Company, with the popular actress Sara Allgood, in the lead, concluded a very successful •oaeou in Christchurch at the Jvinfi: s inoatio on Saturday, when “log » -^y Heart ” was repeated. There was a good attendance at a matinco performance, but in the evening the building was well filled. The well-known Irish comedy-drama was followed with tho keenest interest throughout, and the principals, especially Sara Allgood and Gerald Henson, were frequently applauded. GRAND THEATRE. The Grand Theatre, which hae been closed for some weeks, will be roopened this evening. Tho theatre has been comploto.y transformed, and every comfort has now been ensured to tho public. The opening programme is a particularly otrong one, comprising ns it does four of the greatest screen artists of to-day. The big feature will bo the first appearance in tho Dominion of the famous Alla Karimova, tho wonderful und talented Russian actress, who is declared by come critics to be tho greatest screen artist in the world at tho present moment. She mako* her first appearance hero in the Metro special, super-featuro, “ Revelation," Mid her acting is stated to bo indeed a “ revelation.” Tho drama has been adapted from the well-known book, " Tho Rosobusli of a Thousand Years,” and is said to bo a worthy vehicle for the "cniu# of tho great Karimova. Those two favourites, Francis X. Bushman and' Bevcrloy Bayne, will make their reappearance in the sensational superserial. “The Great Secret,” which is stated to be tho most thrilling of the many serials so far shown at the Grand. Another popular item will bo Charles Chaplin in "Thq Count,” and no doubt follower* of football will welcome the screening of the Christ’s College and High School annual football match, which was specially taken by the Grand camera man for the oocasion. A special feature Will be the orchestral selec-

tions by the largo Grand orchestra of seven of the city’s most prominent musicians under the baton of Mr A. L. Sutton. During the evening M; W. Trowerno the popular voca - ist, will sing "On with the Motley d a gitacci) and “Lorraine" (Sanderson). As tnc booking is already very heavy, P ! j tro u B HT J advised to reserve their scats at -ho Lrieto ns early as possible to-day. CRYSTAL PALACE. To-day the big Fox nrieou problem play. "Tho Honor Syetcm.’’ will bo introduced at Crystal Palace. The picture was designed to teach the need for the humane treatment of prisoners and the benefits to bo derived from giving criminals in gaol opportunities for reformation. The Honor system, produced on a largo scale, a sensation in America, and has recoivod the approval of eevcral governors of States in the American union. The story deals with the terrible experiences of an innocont man who is convicted and sentenced to a lifo term of imprisonment in a gaol whero the prisoners are treated harshly. Subsequently ho brings the conditions of the gaol before tho governor of tho State and an investigation leads to tho introduction of tho ‘ honor system,” which is attacked by tho opponents of the reform. The young man is able to aid tho movement by his honourable behaviour, and ultimately lie reaps his reward. The cast, which includes Miriam Cooper, Milton Sills and George Walsh, is particularly strong and the picture is said to bo one of the most powerful nlays even put on the screen. 11 Tho Honor System ’ will bo shown four times daily, and at tho night session tho Crystal Palaco orchestra will play tho overturo “Mirella” (Gounod).

STRAND THEATRE. Tko new programme presented at the Strand Theatre on Saturday was headed by the film adaptation of Somorsot Maughan’s noted stage success, 11 Tho Land of Promise,” in which tho principal character was portrayed by the favourite actress, Billie Burke. Tho photo-play is something quite different from any in which the charm.ng player has yet boon seen. The story is most interesting, and is very finely worked out. Tho character delineated by Miss Burkfe is lovablo and appealing,, and is presented with wonderful naturalness. She is first seen as tho faithful oompanion of a wealthy old lady who dies suddenly, and when the will is road it is found that she has overlooked the services of tho companion. The girl ti|cn decides to go to a brother who has a farm in Manitoba. Her brother’s wife becomes jealous of the new arrival and makes her life miserable. Not knowing where to turn she accepts an offer of a farm hand who is launching out on his own account to become his wife so far as looking after his homo is concerned.. Lovo and affection are entirely absent in the beginning, but tho man realises bo lias found a treasure and ends v u s to assume the placo of a husband. Blit ho proceeds in tho wronj way an.d offends tho girl wife so previously that she decides to leave him. At this moment two impc.rtan nines occur. Tho mail is threatened with ruin owing? to his crons bein'? spoilt and tho girl receives a cheque for JfoCO from the beneficiary of lior late mistross’s will. Sho looks pityingly on the rough-mannered but big-hearted man whose wife she is and tho pic'uro closes with the girl offering him the chequo and stut.ng her willingness to stay with, turn, me supporting pictures include another instalment of the splendid .Burton travelogue series and an interesting number of the Paramount Australian Gazette. An exce.lcnt programme of new musical items was contributed at tho principal afternoon session and at night by H.aydn BccVb orchestra. The same pictures will be screened to-day.

QUEEN’S THEATRE. ' At the Queen’s Theatre to-day the now programme will bo headed by ' Man an Beast,” a production of a.rong dramatic and zoological interest, featuring Eileen Se-g----wick and Park Jonea, and providing sensational roles for lions, leopards and other ierooious animals, an elephant and a chimpanzee. Another of tho popular Mustang dramas, “The Rangor'of Lonesome Gulch, will tell an interesting story, cleverly acted, dealing with tho love affair of a ranger and a lady novelist. There aro some exciting situations and fomo desperate fighting, and the courso of true love does not run smoothly till near the end of the last reel. Tho lighter ole men t will bo represented by an entertaining two-rocl comedy production, His Bogus Boast.” The " Dainty ” orchestra, which will provide good music at the evening session, now consists of Mrs Midd oton (conductor and pianist), Miss Cadeuhead (violinist), Mr George Ell wood, “tho New Zealand Gerardy” (’cellist) and Mr A. \V. Hut .on (flautist). The sessions will commence at II »•»»* daily, and the programme above outlined will bo shown throughout the currout nock.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “Tlio Firofly of Tough Luck," an admirablo photoplay dealing with mining camp life, reminiscent cd Bret Hartc s stories, will head the now programme at Everybody a Theatre to-day. It is represented in the pot that Firofly (impersonated by the popular mayor, Alma Rubens), a cabaret performer, becomes out of work, and is compelled by her worthless husband to take an appointment at a Wild West mining town dubbed Tough Luck, whero sho meets with many strange adventuros and makes some staunch friends. Complications ensue, owing to the appcaranco of tho cabaret girl’s reaumes his brutality towards her. A climax is reached when the husband is caught thieving, and a happy conclusion ensues 11 The Riddlo of tho Cross,” tho twelfth episode of the thrilling serial "The Mystery of tlio Double Cross,’’ carried the adventures of the young man in search of a girl in'o still further unexpected channels. Topical filiuß dealing with tho latest events overseas will also be shown.

LIBERTY THEATRE. A Goldwyn comedy, " Nearly Married,” featuring the favcmrito actress Mad go Kennedy, vi!l heed the new progTammo at Liberty today. Miss Kennody is seen in the role of a Iv.hlo who, through a misunderstanding, pu-rts from her husband immediately after the marriage reromony, and seeks a divorce. Both are still in lovo with one another, howover, and on the day the divorce is granted the couple, quito unaware of the fact, meet. re-

cidontaJly, and decide to lot bygone# bo bygones, and go on tho long-deierred honeymoon. From thon onward many complications take place, but, as usual, matters straighten themselvoa out in tho end. As customary with tho Goldwyn' productions, tho settings and drosses nro a feature of the film. Another picture of moro than ordinary interest is a film version of ono of 0. Henry’s, powerful stories, " The Gifts of tho Magi.” Tho programme will also contain the latest edition of tho always welcome " Gaumont Graphic.”

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' CONCERT.

The concert given in the Choral Hall on Saturday night by tlio Commercial Travellers| Concert Tarty, in aid of the Sailors’ Christmas Comforts Fund, was very well attended, and the entoriainmont was a decided success. It was hold under the auspices of tho Harbour Lights Girls' Club, and tho financial result should bo very gratifying to tho promoters. The programme consisted of part songs, vocal solob and quartets. The choir gave a, very fine interpretation of its oponing work, tho sterling o.d part song, “ A Wet Shoot and a Flowing Sea.” ThisJ was followed by an impressive performance of the well-known part song, “ -Beware," and a most pleasing interpretation of tho humorous numbor. “ Pussy’s in the Well.” The othor programme numbers were “Eastern Cupbearer's Song,” “ Breathe My Harp,” “On the March” (given wih smart martial effect) and “ The Threo Chafers.” Messrs H. Taylor, B. Crowburst, Soper and A. L. Cropp contributed two quartets, “ Lovely Night” and “Evening,” naming hearty applauso for their really good efforts. The soloists were Messrs It. S. Field. 11. Taylor, A. L. Cropp, B. Crowhtirst, N. V. Smith and W. A. Drako, whoso programme numbers rospcctivo'.y wero “ Young Tom of Devon,” “Till iho Sands of the Desert Grow Cold.” " Speak, ye Four,” and "An Unfinished Picture” (tho music of tho last two works being composed by Mr Alfred Worslev, and the songß being splendidly sung by Mr Cropp, creating a most pleasing impression as to tho merit of the compositions), “ Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes,” “ Myra.” and“Lighterman Tom.” Mr Alfred Worsley conducted the choir and also rdayed several accompaniments, Miss Irene Barbour being tho accompanist for tho remaining items.

CAPPELLI. Signor C&ppolli, the famous Italian operatic tenor, will give three concerts in the Theatre Rovnl. Christchurch commencing on September 5. As principal tenor with the Congales Grand Opera Company Cappelli. made a very pood impression, and during his present tour of the Dominion he has achieved a big success wherever he has appeared. Record ecaeons have boon played in Auckland, Wellington and Dunodin. In the lastnamed city no fewer than five concerts wore given and according to tho Dunedin Press scones of enthusiasm were witnessed at each concert. From his extensive repertoire Cnppolli will select his programme, and numbers from the famous operas bv the groat masters will be presented each evening. Supporting Canoelli is a coterie of first-class artists, includin'* John Amadio, the eminent flautist; Veronica Bedford, soprano; and Signor Cesnroni. basso. Harold Whittle will act as accompanist. Only three concerts will bo given in Christchurch. The box plane will open at The Bristol on September 3. SYDENHAM PICTURES. At tho Sydenham Picturo Theatre this evening the r,cw programme will bo headed by the Goldwyn production “ Nearly Married," featuring Madge Kennedy. COLOSSEUM RINK. The Collossoum Rink -was well attended on Saturday, especially at the evening session, when a most successful winter's season was concluded