ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 190, 16 July 1925, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

"THE CREATION." PRODUCTION AT OPERA HOUSE. AN IMPRESSIVE RENDITION. Lovers of classical music who attended in very large numbers at Lhe Opera House last night were afforded a feast of oratorio in the production of “The Creation” by the Palmerston North Choral Society, assisted by the Orpheus Society. It is the familiarity of such well-known works as this masterpiece of Joseph Haydn which tends to make an audience cr'tical to a degree of its treatment, but the frequent bursts of cordially expressed approbation of the efforts o.f the performers last ovening left no doubt that the great majority in the building believed that justico had been done to "The Creat■tion.” Under the conduetorship of Mr J. Holmes Runniclos the choir of over 70 voices, the delight fully balanced orchestra of 19 instruments, and the three soloists, gave of their best. Of the lastnamed the tenor soloist, Mr Arthur Ripley, of Auckland, was the only one new to n Palmerston North audience and ho thorouhgly justified his selection to sing the lines of Uriel. Madame Amy Woodward, whose sweet voice has charmed Palmerston North music lovers in the “Messiah,” was at her best and her share in the success of the production was universally acknowledged. It redounds to the credit of Palmerston North that it possesses a singer in oratorio of. the calibre of Mr William Watters, who, although suffering from a severe cold which obliged him to omit one solo, satisfied richly in all his work.

The “Representation of Chaos,” which introduces the oratorio, gave the orchestra full play for a. masterful interpretation, an opportunity which was so well availed of that, it at once established the confidence of the audience in what was to follow 7 . The rich bass of Mr Watters was heard to advantage in the succeeding recitative and chorus, “In the Beginning God Created the Heaven and the Earth,” and so on through the beauties of Haydn's masterpiece, of which the composer is recorded as having said at its first public performance : “Not I, but a power from above created that.” Naturally, there is no note of sorrow in the “Creation” —it is a joyful expression—and the note Si dawning wonder developing into triumph and ecstasy was powerfully sustained.

The soprano soloist was first heard in the solo and chorus “The Mnrv’llous Work Behold,” but it was in the trills of the air, “With Verdure Clad and Fields- Appear,” that her sweet voice was first heard at its best. Her treatment of “On Mighty Pens Uplifted Soars the Eagle Aloft” thrilled the audience and her duet with Mr Watters, “Graceful Consort at Thy Side,” was rich in musical expression. At its conclusion the two soloists were accorded a remarkable demonstration.

A true conception of oratorio, clearness of enunciation, and a rich and powerful voice are the possessions of Mr Watters, and in solo, trio, and duet, ho used all three to splendid advantage. Never once did he fail to satisfy his audience. The declaratory, “And God Made the Firmament,” the recitative, “Let the Waters be Gathered Together in One Place,” and the recitative, “And God saw everything that He had made,” were some of the more splendid examples of his mastery of the spirit expressed in the different passages of this work descriptive of the seven days of the creation.

Mr Ripley’s tenor voice was heard to advantage in the air and chorus “Now 7 Vanish before the Holy Beams the Gloomy Shades of Ancient Night,” in the recitative, “And God said, ‘Let There Be Light’,” while he excelled in “And God Created Man in His Own Image,” and the air “In Native Worth and Honour Clad.” In the trios too, the soloists delighted, “On Thee each Living Soul Awaits,” standing out as an achievement of note.

The choruses in tho main were sung with power and control which tended to realise the maximum from the spirit of “The Creation,” but two stood out as really magniticcnt. achievements —“The Heavens are telling tho Glory of God,” in which the swelling crescendo of ecstasy was wonderfully conveyed, and “Achieved is the Glorious Work,” wherein tho note of triumph rang out with power. The whole production was a veritable delight, the co-ordination of soloists, orchestra, and choir under the very able leadership of Mr Runnicles having produced something most worthy of the musical organisations concerned. -Miss 10. Woodlield, L.T.C.L., L.A.8., was at the piano, and Mr C. J. East was organist, their sym> pathetic accompaniments materially tending to maintain the evenness of the production. The orchestra was as follows: —• Violins, Messrs C. L. Mowlem (leader), P. 8. Larcomb, J. Carter, Mrs Fisher. Mrs Lovelock, Miss Hankin; viola, Mr M. Cohen: (lute, Mr C. G. Swallow; cornet, Mr A. J. Berryman; ’cello, Miss Fitzherbert; double bass, Mr W. T. Penny; clarinets, Messrs F. C. Litchfield and A. J. Andrews; bassoon, Mr li. C- Greening; trombone, Mr J. Elliott ; drums, Mr C. E. Boll: French horn, Mr A. Tonkin; pianist Miss E. Woo-dficld, L.T.C.L., L.A.8.; organ, Air C. J. East. LONG TACK SAM. OPERA HOUSE TO-NIGHT. To-night, at the Opera House, a vaude ville season of one night will he played by Long Tack Sam and an entirely new company selected in China, and supported by a. combination of acts of international reputation from (he Sydney and Melbourne theatres of J. C. Williamson, Ltd. Long Tack Sam, on his last visit to Australia, certainly created a. sensation among theatregoers, and on this visit critics in Sydney and Melbourne say the show is even better than the first. Long Tack Sam is assisted in hi-- a< I. hy Madame and Misses Poldi and Mina Long. The turn includes juggling, balancing, magic, Chinese clown juggling, contortionists, water spinning and magic. The company of vaudeville acts supporting Long .Tack Sam includes: Moran and Wiser, hilled as the hilarious .hatspin tiers in a skit. “.All in Fun. ’ Direct from F ranee arc the musical acrobat io clowns, the Novella Brothers, a most original turn, who present a marvellous representation of a. woodland courtship between two birds. A London critic, spending of the dancers with the company, says: “Addison and Milrenga arc back again, which is no hardship, because 1 don't think anyone could ever tiro of watching the perfect art and grace of Gertrude Milrenga, who is so ablv aided by Errol Addison.” Air A. G. Frost will as usual conduct the orchestra. A basso caiitante with the company is the London singer, Arthur Mayes. The company recently concluded a wonderfully successful season in Auckland, and the Herald critic --ays that there “was a crowded audience, and every item was enthusiastically applauded. It is a, great show. Long Tack Sum and the J. C. Williamson artists supporting hint present the best vaudeville show for years.” The box plans are at.Gales’:, music stores. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. AGNES AY n ”8 TV “WORLDLY GOODS.” Agnes Ayres’ first work in motion pictures consisted in 'sitting up at night helping her mother make one of her dresses into an evening frock. The following day she was to make her debut before the camera, and site had (old the director that she had an evening gown. Miss Ayres was in her first year in high school in Chicago. Quite by accident, the casting director at the Essanay studio saw her and engaged her for a part, believing she had had acting experience. Tho next day the director was

pleased with the girl’s appearance, but decided that a wrap would be better. The wardrobe department could supply none, so Miss Ayres’ mother took a motor coat wiiii pink silk lining and reversed it right at the studio. To-day Miss Ayres has one of (he finest wardrobes in motion pictures, and is noted for her excellent, taste in dress. The Paramount star’s newest production is “Worldly Goods.” directed by Paul Bern, which comes to the Paramount Theatre for a three days’ run to-day. Fat O'Malley, Victor Varconi and Edytlie Chapman play in support. The supporting films provide a distinctive feature of the show, and comprise a. Jimmy Aubrey comedy, Paramount Gazette and interest, “Prospecting for Cold.” Music of a high standard is to be provided by the Paramount select orchestra, under the direction of Mrs Law, The box plans arc at Swallow’s. ‘ I PALACE. “SANDRA.” AN ELABORATE PICTURE. A strong theme is offered in “Sandra,” Barbara La. Marr’s latest First National picture to be shown to-night at the Palace. Acting in the title role, Barbara is depicted as / a woman with a restless heart. She craves love, yet she knows not where to find it. Her quest carries her throughout (lie capitals and gay spots of Europe, and she meets with numerous novel experiences. Yet the real love she, seeks is not to be found. Finally Sandra returns to her home town, and there she discovers love, right on her own doorstep. They said that Sandra’s beauty was of a different kind ; it apfioaled to the senses and brought mien to ler feet, in worship; she was one woman by day and a. different v Oman by night, and was unlike any modern woman, and yet was highly modern. Bert Lytell is Miss La Marr’s leading man, and the couple have an admirable supporting cast. The third of the Jack Dempsey series and a News* will complete the week-end bill. KOSY. TWO DRAMAS AND THREE COMEDIES. Few men have ever been compelled to fight so desperately and to incessantly as White Horse Harry, the cowboy hero of “The Kick-Back',” in which Harry Carey, famous delineator of western characters is thrilling screen audiences at the Kosy Theatre, where it will remain till Saturday. A lone cowboy, fighting against a band of land thieves to retain a valuable waterhole he owns in the heart of the sun-seared desert of Arizona, Harry Carey gives one of the most impressive performances of his career, according to screen critics who already have reviewed this unusual drama of love and adventure in the deadlands. In the supporting east are such noted players as Henry B. Walthall, Ethel Grey Terry, Charles Le Moyne and others. William Desmond, star of many Universal feature productions and chapter plays, is the “Happy Hobo” in tho story of the open road, “The Sunset Trail,” presented by Universal in this programme. Featured with him is Gareth Hughes, another popular favourite, with Lucille Hutton in the leading female part. Three comedies and a scenic are also included in this 3i-hour programme, tilled with excitement and good laughs.

MOTHER MACHREE. New Zealanders have every reason to bo proud of the younger generation, who, given tho chance make good in practically every department of activity. In music and drama they are especially successful. Every company numbers them and tho Denis Kehoc Company, which appears hero on Saturday, is no exception to the rule. Miss Frances Kayher,. tho charming leading lady with Denis Kelioe, is a native of Gisborno, Bernard Beoby has spent much of his life in the classic seclusion of Christchurch, while Clias. Keegan, is for the first time in 15 years renewing his, acquaintance with familiar, sights and faces. Percy Kohoe, the veteran musical director, is making his 37th. and Tom Buckley his twjgity-first tour of the Dominion. Mother Machree is essentially an actor’s play. The parts aro all well drawn and nono is subordinated for tho purpose of making a. “star play.” Therefore, it is a play that will not stand bad acting, and in this connection tho press opinion in Auckland and elsewhere has been that the characterisations have been uniformly of a high class. Ronald Riley and Francos Kayher as an English brother and sister, tho former with an irresistibly funny stutter, contribute greatly to the success of the evei ' ig. The box plan is at Oates’ music stores.