ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 192, 18 July 1925, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

“MOTHER MACHREE.” OPERA HOUSE TO-NIGHT. The piny which Denis Kehoe presents at the Opera- House to-night. “Mother Machree,” is not, one of the ultra sentimental or sloppy kind. It is indeed a breezy comedy drama, filled with clever dialogue and happy incidents. The author, Maurice AVehlcn, makes no attempt to turn out a problem play, nor does be attempt to square trio “eternal triangle.” He has set out to provide a happy, clean entertainment and is satisfied to rest at that. Denis Kehoe in the role of Dan O’Connor presents a likeable portrait of a lively rollicking young fellow, always ready to creek a joke or ring a song, but “all there” when things threaten to overthrow the family's fortunes and peace of mind. Among bis most cherished possessions are his little Irish harp, which he uses with good effect, and an autograph letter from John .McCormack written during the eminent tenor’s last tour of Australia. In it. with characteristic straightforwardness, he says, “Go to it,, Kehoe. It’s a long road, but ‘Mother Machree’ will see you there.” Alusic is a strong feature of all Iri-h folk plays, and “Mother Machree” is no exception to the rule. The action of tile piece contains several solos and concerted items. The supporting company, headed by Frances Kayher, a- young actress who has won golden opinions, is a thoroughly representative one. including Miss Helen Fergus (in (he name part), Gwen Dorise and Aline Dunn and Messrs Ronald Riley. Maurice Lynch, Tom Buckley, Bernard Beebe, (‘has, Keegan and Lester Carey. The music lias been composed, selected and arranged by Percy Kehoe. The box plan for “Mother Machree” is at Oates’ music stores.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. “WORLDLY GOODS.” Agues Ayres is seen in her latest release for Paramount, “Woridlv Goods,” in the bright entertainment at the Paramount concluding this evening. Miss Ayres has one of the finest wardrobes in motion pictures, and is noted for her excellent, taste in dress. The Paramount star's newest production is directed by Paul Bern, which is a. guarantee of its entertaining value, were one needed Pat O’Alalley, A’ictor A’aivoni and Fdytlie 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 Gold.” Alusic of a high standard is provided by the Paramount select orchestra under the direction of Mrs Law. The box plans are at Swallow's. EVERYBODY’S TO-NIGHT. “THEODORA.” The history of the world lias been written in its love stories and “Theodora” is its greatest one. With it Sarah Bernhardt thrilled audiences of two continents, it is a, woman’s story —of an empress who gave riches and imperial rule —who loosed a horde of lions on her helpless people in a. vain effort to save lei- herself him she loved. “Theodora” so far surpasses any previous effort of screen productions that comparison is impossible. It required two years to produce, and cost £600,000. There are 'i 5.000 people in the cast, beaded by Rita Jolivet and the greatest screen and stage stars of all Europe. Its dramatic power grips the heart while its splendours amaze the eye.

PALACE. The vamleviilc sketch, ‘All in Fin,” by Moran and Wiser, of Williamson Long Tack Sain company, was the star turn at the Palace last night. The performers were in splendid form, as their turn went without a hitch amidst the roars of laughter occasioned by the antics of Moran. The, pictures, “Sandra” and “West of the Water Bucket” in which Jack Demp-cy is starred, filled in the rest of the time. KOSY. “The Sunset Trail” and “The Kick Back” are two really good Western stories now showing at the Jvosy with three comedies and a scenic to complete the usual three and.a halt hour entertainment. ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT The box plan for honorary members for the Orchestral Society’s concert opens on Tuesday morning next and those interested are strongly recommended to make a point of being in attendance early. The coming concert promises lo eclipse any that bus gone before and that is a big statement to make. Suffice it to say that never has the orchestra, been so numerically strong, nor so efficient as at present, and Mr Maurice Cohen will be able to demonstrate its ability in lilt- particularly tuneful numbers which are in rehearsal.

THE GREAT MOSCOVITCH. OPENING NEXT' FRIDAY. The chief interest of the performance of Dorothy Brandon’s remarkable, drama, “The Outsider,” to be staged under the J. (.’. Williamson direction at the Opera House on Friday evening next, will necessarily be the first appearance in Palmerston North of the great Ruesian-Jeuish actor, Maurice Moscovitch, who conies fresh from triumphant seasons in Sydney and Melbourne, where the drama proved a phenomenal success in both cities. In Wellington and Christchurch recently it created something of a sensation, playing to enormous audiences. The theme of the play is the attitude of the Royal College of Surgeons towards Anton Ragat/.y, unqualified, yet of a natural genius, healing his patients of lameness, while the qualified surgeons themselves fail. Anton Kagatzy is a specialist but the College of Surgeons refuse him the barest recognition because he is not a registered practitioner. Jasper Sturdeo, an eminent surgeon, has suffered much because of the maltreatment of his infant daughter by a “quack” in the doctor’s absence abroad, and his hate of quacks of all kinds is deep and abiding. To get the chance of curing bis stubborn enemy's own daughter is Ragatzy’s ambition. By a. ruse he succeeds in getting an interview with the girl, and in an intensely dramatic, scene persuades her to leave her’ father arid submit liorself to bis treatment. He falls in love with her, and by his undoubted genius effects a miraculous cure where all the famous surgeons in the world have failed. In a stirring climax the surgeon’s daughter falls in love with Ragatzy, and lie thenceforth attains his proper place among the medical profession as an outstanding genius. It is said that throughout tile- play Moscovitch grips the audience by his astonishing and magnetic personality. Ilis performance of the title role ranks him among the very greatest actors who have come to this country. It transcends mere cleverness and virtuosity, and rises to the heights of genius borne aloft by the tremendous force of bis personality and indefinable magnetism that makes the actor at once with the audience. “Tile Outsider” can be staged for this night only. On the following night (Saturday), this famous artist, will be seen ’in his great characterisation of Shylpck, in “The Merchant of Venice.” This famous actor will be supported by an exceptionally brilliant J. C. Williamson company. The box plans will open at Oates’ music shop next Wednesday morning.

With so many counter-attractions, there was not a large attendance at the Coronation Hn.ll, Terrace End, last evening, when the Manawatu Concert Party conducted a concert and dance. The items were all well received, and the assemblage enjoyed a most pleasant evening’s entertainment. It is the intention of the party to conduct another concert when there are less outside attractions-