AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18286, 23 December 1919, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. It is a somewhat unusual event for tho first night of a performance to attract a crowded house, but at tho weekly change of programme at the Opera House last night tho ushers woro endeavouring to find seats for late coiners throughout tho whole of tho first turn. Tho programme, which included four, entirely now turns, was notable for tho originality of tho different 'nets, and this was particularly noticoablo in the dancing. Keely and Aldours, in a refined singing and dancing turn, wore nn immediate success, duets, “ That’s the Kind of Baby for Me, and “I Can't Get Along Without You," and two novel dancing turns—van. impression of a drunken man attempting to step donee, and a dance without tho aid of the orchestra—being greeted with well-deserved npplauso. Maryon and Florence introduced a very difficult balancing feat. The male partner balanced a ladder on his shouldor whilst- tho lady climbed to the top and gave an exhibition of balancing which was certainly marvellous, and finished with a slide, head first, to tho stago. Daisy Haroourt, the star of tho evening, first appeared on tho stage in a dress composed entirely of silver, and in the next scone effected . a quick change mto the oostunio of a little schoolgirl. After a further quick change, • she appeared in bridal array. Her songs, “ Whoso Girl aro You Going to Meet To-night?’’. " My Mother Told That They Found Mo," “ Oh, John,” and “ Somotimo, showed her to bo a vivacious and tetented artiste, capable of assuming many different roles in a few minutes. Preston and. . eirin appeared in a highly original dancing turn, such ns is seldom seen in Christchurch. tho larger man apparently being endowed with indiaruhbar bones. J Wallingford Tato, who was grectod with applause, sang by request “ Gladys," ahd the Fnivcy Sisters again proved their popularity in ‘ Bells of St Mary ” and “Sweetest Girl in Maryland,’’ and at iho conclusion of tho turn the younger girl was mado the recipient of a bouquet. Miss Lilian Fontenoy, tho Newnmns, and Dimnio and Clark also contributed ably to a most successful programme., " THE MAN WHO GAME BACK.” Miss Muriel -Stare, under tho J. C. Williamson management, is to open a season of fourteen nights at the Theatre Royal on Boxing Night. Sho will bo supported by an exceptionally fine ootorio of artists, including Mr Frank Harvey, tho popular leading man. Misß Starr will bo first scon as Marcelle, a cabaret singor, in tho powerful and sensational play, “Tho Man Who Came Back," said to be one of hor most convincing, and. absorbing impersonations. Sho will bo supported by what njipoars to be ono of the most complete companies ever sent on tho road by J. 0. Williamson, Ltd. The oast includes Messrs Arthur Styan, J. B. Atholwcod, Harold Moran, James Hughes, Edwin Lester, Frank ARanby, Fred Coapo, Vivian Edwards, Harry Power and E. W. Morrison, and Misses Marian Marcus Clarke. Ethel Morrison, Bertha . Ballon gar, Molly Taylor, Norman Lee, Mattie Brown and Beryl Bryant. ” The Man Who Camo Back ” is described as ono of the most exciting of modern plays. It practically takes tho audionco for a tour round the world, from the New York millionaire's apartment to an opium don in San Francisco; to the mystio environment of Shanghai, thonce to perfumed groves of a Honolulu plantation, finally uniting tho happy couple once again m Now York. Splendid scope is given for scenio display, some of the settings being especially fine expositions of tho scone painter’s art. In the socond act, tho cabaret scone, what is practically a high grade vauclcyillo porformnneo is givon, with ballets, fox trots, Jazz dances and interspersed solve. As Marcelle, Mire Stare is said to be at hor veiy best, hor performance eclipsing her remarkable rendition of May Turner in " Within tho Law.” Another performance highly spoken of is that of Mr Frank Harvey as Henry Potter, tho young man whose regeneration is accomplished by Marcelle. Tills production will be under the personal supervision of the well-known producer, Mr E. W. Morrison. The plans for the first sovon nights will be open at Milner and Thompson’s this morning, at nine o’clock. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. Sessuo Hayckawa, assisted by Jane Novalc and Wallace M’Donald, appear in a dramutio end memorable production at Everybody's Theatre which is being screened thn.uhgoi.it the week entitled “ His Debt.” The star is an artist who does not believo in detracting from the opportunities of his supporting cast. There are also strong supporting subjects, including the latest -Patho Gazette, topioal, scenio and comedy films. Reserved seats may be booked at The Bristol. LIBERTY THEATRE. An amusing and exciting Goldwyn comedydrama 'entitled “Mian and liis Money' is being screened at the Liberty Theatre this week, with a strong supporting programme. Tho Liberty orchestra presents a specially ohoson programme of music, and this week’s entr'acte is a selection from “H.M.S. Pinafore.’’ Tho story of “A Man and hia Money ” is enhanced by the personality of Tom Moore in the part of tho hero. The box plan is at the Liberty Theatre. CRYSTAL PALACE. Conotming Tompkins, a munitions millionaire attached to a wife with social aspirations, a play entitled “ Fools and their Money ” presents an amusing and highly entertaining story, which is boing screened at the Crystal Palace this week. Tho leading role is taken by Emmy Wehlen, in the character of Louis Allonby. The story is full of excitement, and in the end Louise marries a son of the millionaire and Mrs Tompkins gains hor heart’s desire by entering into real society. Supporting films include “Tho Bandmaster ’’ (a Billy West comedy) and a Topical Budget. QUEEN’S THEATRE Tho dainty " movie ” actress known all over the world as Mary Miles Minter is to tho fore in " The Bachelor’s Wife,” which is being shown p.t tho Queen's Thoatro throughout this week. A series of humorous entanglemonts, which end in a defaulting husband and father admitting his marriage and explaining that he was keeping silent until Ins inheritance should oorno along, are 1 the high lights of tho Btory. Additional films are episode four of “The Lightning. Raider,” “Somo Babies of tho Farm ” (educational), " Fatty at San Diego” (a Fatty Arbucklo. comedy), a Scenio and a Pictorial Budget. “ THE GAIETY STROLLERS.” There was a good attendance at tho Choral Hall last night, when “Tho G'aiety Strollers,” a looal entertainment company, gave the first of two performances, the second being sot down for this evening. Tho (ntertainmont was a bright medley of music, song and dance, in which wero to be noted soveral clover artists, supported by an orchestra of about fifteen players, undor the conductorship of Mr W. J. Wobb. The orchestra contributed three special numbers, which were appreciated, besides the incidental and dance music. In tho first part of tho progTammo, items which proved attractive were a song and chorus, “ Give Mo a Cosy Corner,” by Mi6s R. Prisk and support; “ Rquirty, tho Fireman,” Roy Archbold; Kussitn dance, Misses Thelma Thompson and Ivy Sponce; and a violin solo, played by Ivan M'Leod: whilo tho contributions by the oompany and other individual porformors wero also enjoyed. In an interesting second part, the moat pleasing items were the " Destiny' ballet, by tho Gaiety Girls; the .Rose Scene, by Miss Prisk and chorus; a dance hy Misses Thelma Thompson and Ivy Spence; song and chorus, “ All Aboard for Dixie,” Louis Bennett; the seaside ..scene by the Gaiety Strollers; and a duot, “I've Lost My 'Heart in Maoriland,” by Miss Paulino Oberhuber and Foster Cairncy. Tho staging was pood, and the lighting effects by J. Beach and P. L. Watts added to tho attractiveness of the production. , STRAND THEATRE. Secret service agents and Bolshevik conspirators aro up-to-dato ingredients of " Boots,” a clever and thrilling film being ecrcenod this week at tho Strand Theatre. Dorothy Gish plays the part of a slavey at a London inn. She is employed to shine the hoots of the boarders, among whom is Everett White, though “ Boots ” docs not know that, ho is attached to tho Secret Service, and trailing a band of Bolshevist conspirators. 1 That is where tho thrills begin. Tho supporting films are “ Love’s False ■Faces” (a,Mack Sennett comedy), a Dictograph, and an American Gazette. GRAND THEATRE. The new programme at tho Grand Theatre yesterday was an excellent one'-fn every respect. Although unusual and decidedly unconventional, “ The Struggle Everlasting,” a powerful six act screen drama, should make

a great appoal to all picture patrons, especially to those who want more than mere novelettes. The story is told In a remarkable manner, human lifo being shown in all its phases. Florence Reed’s impersonation of Vivien as the vampire woman ib highly effective. " Captain Grogg Goes Flying ” is one of the best cartoons shown hero, and the Christio Comedy, “ You Can't Believe Everything,” is also of a very humorous nature. Followers of tho serial " Stingareo " were again thrilled by the bushranger’s marvellous escapes. An interesting Gasetto and tho appropriate music by tho Grand Orchestra completed a very enjoyable programme.