ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 432, 24 June 1922, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

big .musical play. “TUK MAID OF TIIF MOFNTAINS.” Few musical plays have achieved such success “The Maid of the Mountains,” and judging- by the merits of this popular attraction as presented to an overflowing audience at the Opera House last night, the reason is readily apparent. A bright entertainment in three delightful acts, replete with haunting melodies, quick and arresting action, and a plot of more than average interest, “The Maid of the Mountains" is a musical play of outstanding quality. First in order of merit the acting of the principals must he mentioned, the cast, headed by Miss Gladys Moncrieff in (ho title role, and Mr Anew MeMaster as Baldassure, the brigand chief, being an exceptionally capable one. Next, the vocal and instrumental work and the settings and costumes, are all of a high standard. Miss Moncrieir possesses a pleasing voice and a good command of the higher register. “Farewell," “Love Will Find a Way" and her duel with Mr Arthur Siigant. “When Vou're in Love," were numbers in which Miss Moncriell' excelled, each evoking much applause. Her stage personality and histrionic ability arc undoubted, and last night s audience hud nothing but praise tor her work. Mr MeMaster, hud a ditlicult role to enact, but be did it full justice, and made a most convincing brigand. Bet in the mountain retreat ol the brigand gang, with very realistic clouds rolling by, the lirst scene depicts the outlaws dividing their booty preparatory to making their escape after deciding to disband. The maid is captured by_ soldiers and carried oil’ to Hie governor s castle. Scene two is a representation of the interior of the latter place, which Baidassure and three of his gang enter, disguised as officials of state, in an at tempt at rescue, (‘duplications arise when the bandit t hief becomes enamoured of the governor s daughter and forgets bis love for Teresa, the maid. Thus scorned, the last named denounces him as tin impostor, and the final act shows Bald assure and his accomplices exiled on tin island. A happy solution is found, ami the plot closes with some pretty love scenes. All the romance ot Did Spain is woven into the story. The jingle of tambourines, glad songs and dances of the brigands, ladies and gentlemen of the court and Hsherfolk —together with the rich dresses and gorgeous uniforms go to the making ot the play. No detail has been, overlooked in creating the true atmosphere of the romance, and the result is a tribute to the capabilities of the artists and management (dike. Among the most noteworthy characters, Mr Phil .Smith plays an important ami mirth-provoking part. As Tonio, a rotund brigand, of a domesticated nature, lie was well cast, and later in the disguise of an aide-de-camp, with high hoots, breastplate ami plumed helmet, he caused great amusement, his drolleries and trite opinions on matters of moment being very funny. Mr Robert Chisholm, one of ihe brigands, scored a big success with ns solos “Live for To-day” and “A Bachelor (Jay Am 1." As the genial, self-seeking governor, Mr Arthur Stigant was one of the notable members of the cast, and in collaboration with Mr Phil Smith and Mr Leslie Holland, his work was first-class. “Crumpet,” the governor’s obsequious ami old ladv-like aide, was played inimitably by Mr Holland, whilst the governor’s daughter of Miss Nellie Payne was a clever impersonation. As the “widow” Vittona, Miss Mione Stewart did some really capable work. Minor characters were all played 111 a highly commendable manner, the singing of a strong mixed chorus being a special feature. Thoroughly enjoyed by all picsent, “The Maid of the Mountains” was voted a complete success, prolonged applause being accorded the company ai the fall of the curtain. The piece will be produced at the Opera House again this evening, when the season emL.

everybody’s. ‘•ill.INI) YOUTH," “Blind Youth” is a picfnrisaiiou of the siai'c* success of die same nanus v.iitleu by two of America's leading aelnf-drainalHs, Lon Tellegen and \\ illai'd .Mack. Lou Tellegen, stepped in ibc knowledge of inlerni!(i ionsil iillairs, supplied lb" European “atmosphere. which. pervades pail ot the picture. while Willard Alack, premies creaior of driueal ic sifnai ions, _ supplied the “pmicli.” “Blind Youth is a bold yet skilful treatment of the .areal grisK faced by a man who encounters false love, then line love; then, when happiness is being realised at last, the false, love comes like a ghost out of the past to complicate mailers. KUSV, “Tho Siu ol Martha Queed is a tremendously gripping photrulrania and is enacted lay an all star cast. PALAC'E-“TUE SHEIK.’’ There, is only one way to he sure of a seat for to-night at the Palace and that is Vo hook ii. “The Sheik” is having a phenomenal rim and well deserves its siteeess. The orchestra merits special mention for the maimer in which it accompanies the various scenes unfolded on the screen. INDEPENDENT PICTURES. Monday night's - new bill at the Independent Pictures will be headed by a dashing Tom Mix picture, “’life Rough Diamond.” in which the virile actor does some great “stunting” with his favourite horse, Tony. In this William Fox production, Alix shows his genius; in a role differing from any he has ever enacted before. He plays the part of a during and dashing' cavalier to the tune of a romantic story that sends him on adventure across the seas into the broil of a political revolution in a Latin republic —just because the eyes of “the most beautiful girl in the world” beckoned. The supports comprise a lirstclass Sunshine comedy, a Aluti and Jell cartoon and a gazette.

HUBERT CARTER'S CONCERT. In tlu> Opera House on Thursday, July 6, Raimerstou North music lovers will have another opportunity of hearing New Zealand's eminent tenor, Mr Hubert Carter, who announces his second concert for that date. The great success of his first concert. which was given last November, will he remembered, and it is expected that the selection of operatic and ballad music which will be presented, with the assistance of eight of his pupils, will even surpass the previous event. Mr Carter will sing from •‘Cavalleria Rusticuna” the famous “Sieiliaua" and quarrel scene with Snntuzzu, the singing of which at (he Wellington performance of “Cavalleria Rusticana” brought forth tiie following flattering comment from the Now Zealand 'limes:—“Mr Carter was faultless iu all his renderings, and his beautiful rich tenor voice lent itself admirably to the selections. The expressive soh, the dainty embellishments of Italian music, were •riot overlooked by the performer, who undoubtedly excelled.” Miss Mary Kcarins will slug the Sanlu/./a music in the duet and a particularly fine result is assured. The box plan opens at Bennett’s, Broadway, on Saturday, July 1.