AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18413, 20 May 1920, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

“ LIGHTNIN’.” The much-talked-of clay. “ Lightnin’,” will be presented at tho Theatre Royal on Wednesday next under the J. C. Williamson management. “Lightnin’ ’’ is described as a play that is distinctly out of the commo|. Coming to Melbourne from New York praotically unheard of. it was first presented at tho Thoatre Royal in that city and immediately became popular. After a few weeks of pw»entation it became the voguo, mid at the time of its compulsory withdrawal after 130 consecutive representations, it had become the rage. Something of the same phenomenal success awaited the play in Sydney, where it had an unbroken run ol eighteen weeks, again being compulsorily withdrawn to make way for other important waiting attractions. In a great moasuro its fortune is due, it is said, to the performance of tho chief character by Mr John D. O’Hara, who is credited with giving a piec£ of perfect' character acting. The part is a complex and difficult one, its exponent being required to successfully run the gamut of all the emotions. Tho story, which Wincholl Smith and Frank Bacon, the authors, have woven into tho play, is unique, and at all times highly interesting. It is based on the manifold complications that befall a party of humanly possible people, who aro seeking to bo separated from their various husbands at Reno. Nevada, the famous hunting ground of the anxious divorcee. Tho J. C. Williamson directors have got together an exceptionally good company to interpret the play From first-class New York theatres are Messrs Robert Toms, John Beck, Fred. Esmelton, Arthur Cornell and Misses Diana'Wilson and Victory Bateman. Others who are well and favourably known or Misses Lizetto Parkes. Marion Marcus Clarke and Messrs lan Muclaren, Thomas Lloyd, Fred. Cambourno, 11. H. Wallace, Edwin Lester aud David Drayton Tho box plans for the season will bo open at Tho Bristol on Monday next.

OPERA HOUSE. There i* a well-varied and entertaining programme at tho Opera llouso this weok. Tho ! principal artists aro tho Cevine troupe, Zoe Sisters, Paul and Connors, Fuller’s Nino Wonders, Tilton and West, Maggie Buckley and Louis London. Tho Cevine troupe consists of six clever wire-walkers, who perform daring tricks on tho tight-rope, including skipping and dancing. Tlio orchestral items are, as usual, very enjoyable. The programme will bo presented again this evening. On Monday evening tho ever-dolightful Sunshine Players will commence another season under the direction of that brilliant producer. Mr Walter George. The opening production will be “ The Bandits.” The box plan in at Milner acid Thompson’s. CRYSTAL PALACE. The programme presented at the Crystal Palaoe this week is headed by a Paramount feature entitled “ Partner" Three,” which displays to advantage the dramatic capabilities of Enid Bennett. The epepnd star film “A Bit or Jado.” hn= ss it* *tar the captivating little access. Mary Miles Minter. Mr J. C. Thompson, a wellk” own local i lfl rire n o. is contributing several nongs in good style. LIBERTY THEATRE. " The Hoodlum,” featuring Mary Piokford, is drawing large attendances at the Liborty Theatre this week. Another film that com mands attention shows the civic reception to the Prince of Wales in Latimer Square ana tho review in Hnglcy Park. The supporting films aro all attractive. Scats can be booked at The Bristol till 5 p.m. QUEEN’S THEATRE. “ Tho Dance of Death.” a picture that doals with the life of professional dancers and the effects of jealousy, is one of the principal films at the Queen’s Theatre. Another good picture is “Go West Young Man.” Alije Brady Is the star in tho first mentioned film and Tom Moore iii the second. The programme will he screoned from II a.m., to-day. * GRAND THEATRE. The entertaining nrosp-ammo at tho Grand Theatre includes “A Fighting Colleen ’’ (Bessie Love); “ Roarin" Lions and Wedding Bells” and, "Snakevillo’s Corsot Demonstrator ” (both comedies); and a “ Pictorial Educator” film. The same programme will be shown again to-day und to-night. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “ You’re Fired,” starring Wallace Reid, and “ Vicky Van." starring Ethel Clayton, the two leading films at Everybody’s Theatre, were soreened to good attendances yesterday. They will be shown again to-day. STRAND THEATRE. William Hart in- “Waggon Tracks” Is a, big attraction at the Strand Thoatre. Supporting subjects include “ Making Money at tho Mint,” and " Skinny Sick.” SYDENHAM PICTURES. Mary Pickford in “ The Hoodlum ” is the leading item in the programme at the Sydenham Pictures. CHRISTCHURCH MUSICAL SOCIETY. Two festival concerts in connection with the Diamond Jubileo of tho Christchurch Musical Society will be given in tho Choral Hall next week. Tho first will be “ Memo England by an orchestra and chorus of 209 performer# under' Dr J. C. Bradshaw, on Tuesday, and tho second a concert by Madame Gower-Burns and party, on Saturday, May 29.