ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17112, 18 March 1919, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. " Oh, Boy to be staged for the first time here at His Majesty's Theatre this evening by the J. C. Williamson Company, is said to be beautifully staged, daringly dressed, brightly acted, and replete with vocal novelties, snappy songs, rousing spectacles, and rollicking fun. Hie merrimentand there is practically no end of it—takes place, firstly, in the bachelor apartments of George Budd, to which be brings the bride with whom he has eloped, and, secondly, at the Meadowside Country Club. Circumstances necessitate the bride leaving suddenly, and other events provide Jackie Sampson, a rather gay young lady, with an opportunity to incidentally occupy the bride's room. Hence complications arise. Miss Cecil Bradley plays Jackie, while Fred Maguire is liudd and Miss Gracie l/3vere the bride. Geoge Willoughby and Maude Beat-ty portray their respective parents, with William Greene a* the somewhat vacuous' man about-lown, Budd a friend, who is responsible for the nnx-np- Miss Maude Beatty, as a Quakeress, creates much merriment; while Field Fisher, as a valet, and Alfred Frith, as a constable, provide the major portion of the comedy. The dancing of the ballet, and Miss Madge Elliott, Rita Nugent, and Jack Hooker are said to be bright features of this fine musical show. OPERA HOUSE. The final week of Mr. Al. Bruces company's season at the Opera House was entered upon last evening, the special frivolity staged being ''The King of Patagonia." In this the drollery of Mr. Bruce was the chief element of mirth. His comic make up was in itself laughable, and in addition the comedian's many humorous "gags" and tricks of speech and gesture helped in tho gaiety of the proceedings. His "hobo" type of characterisation is clever, and Mr. Bruce will be remembered by Opera House patrons for the genuine fun-maker that be is in such. On tho vocal side last night's production was strengthened bv the singing of Miss Mabel Morgan and Mr. Robert Raymond. The former was particularly good in the florid song, "Lolita," which displayed the fine quality of her voice to real advantage. J Mr. Raymond's solo, "Can't You Hear Mo Callin', Caroline?" was artistically vocalised and proved melodious and effect.ye. Miss Lettie Cray don, the soubrette of the company, sang and acted brightly. Miss Flo Fanning's study of a suffragette i photo-fiend was good low comedy, ana Messrs Sam Wallace and Hal Scott played the remaining roles successfully. As usual, the members of the chorus were animated in all their work, and their dancing was greativ appreciated. In the first part of the programme Miss Bessie Lester, the smart American comedienne and mimic reappeared. being warmly welcomed. Her numbers included an exceedingly clever character song—an Italian invitation I some new stories, and two sentimental I Miss Lester's versatility and quick 1 changes of style won her many admirers, i Murfavne, xylophonist, and Romaine, vio- ! linist.'were heard in choice programmes of | operatic and popular instrumental music I and were loudly applauded. Pollard and ' Jackson, now in their last week here, sang i several duels and solos in a very pleasing ! manner. Ray and Gray provided an eni tertaining Urn. The programme will be I repeated each evening this week and at I the usual matinees.

IRISH NATIONAL CONCERT. Rarely to » ton Ha! co«.rt traded such a crowd as did the ™ 'national concert last evening. Be '° ® d o'clock every seat was occupied, besides ! about 400 seats on the platform, wher the children of the Catholic schools were accommodated; and hundreds of people had to be turned away It was suggested that an overflow concert should be given ! in the adjoining hall, but this was impossible. Dr. Cleary. Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, and many o he clergy were present. A feature of the concert was the chorus songs by the massed children under the baton of | Brother Bonaventiero. Among their numi bers were " O'Donnell Aboo,' " Dear Old | Ireland Still," " Let Erin Rem ember, _ land "Wrap the Green Flag Round Me. The songs were sung in splendid time, and the youthful voices blended harmo- ! niously. " Come Back to Erin ' was also I rendered as a chorus song by the Pah ! children and " Avourneen" by St. i Mary's children. A fine display of clubi swinging was given by a team of girls from St. Joseph's School. An Irish jig was given by Miss Connie Barry, and ari Irish reel by pupils of Miss Aileen Beresford. Both items proved highly popular The dancers were attractively attired in i the original Irish costumes, which it is stated had never been seen in Auckland I before. The adult portion of the proI gramme included a number of Irish Bongs, I all of which were rendered pleasingly. ' Mrs. Cyril Towsey sang " Has Sorrow 1 Thy Young Days Shaded," and "The ' Irish Grass," and Miss Reba Cohen ren'dered "The Last Rose of Summer" and !" The Minstrel Boy. ' " The Dear Little Shamrock " was sung by Miss Ruby Burko. ; Mr. E. N. Wright was heard in " Mother i Macree."' " Mascushla," and Mr J Wal- ! lace Atkinson in " Off to Philadelphia " and "Father O'Flvnn." Humorous items 'were contributed by Mr. Allan McElI wain. Orchestral numbers were rendered ■ bv Lilli's orchestra, and Mr. Cyril Tow- ] gey acted as accompanist. During the j evening the principal trophies won at the I sports on Saturday were presented by Dr. I Geary,

THE DANDIES. The innovation of a combined picture entertainment and a programme by the Dandies Costume Comedy Company is finding favour with patrons of the Lyric Theatre. The entertainment each evening commences at a quarter to eight with the screening of the popular Goldwvn photoplay. " Peck's Bad Girl." At nine o'clock this is followed by a bright entertainment by the Dandies. TTVOLT THEATRE. Marguerite Clark gives a charming performance in the adaptation of Grimm's " Seven Swans," shown at the Tivoli Theatre. As the diminutive princess, Miss Hark is given ample opportunity to display her nndonhted histrionic ability. For children the picture is ideal, and adults, too, must derive pleasure from it. for it is a welcome change from heavy problem dramas. The generally accepted version of this delightful and fantastic fairy story is closely followed throughout. The settings are on a scale which have seldom been surpassed. The smallest child will find pleasure in following the adventures of a sweet little girl. who. for the sake of seven brothers, snffers pain, hardships, insults, almost death itself, to save their lives. pre are several other good pictures on the programme. GRANT) THEATRE. By many picture enthusiast** the latest Chaplin comedy, "A Dog's life," which is shown this week at the Grand Theatre, is considered one of this comedian's finest comedy productions seen in Auckland. The tale deals with the adventurous career of a tramp who is always accompanied by his faithful canine friend. Particularly amusing are the scenes inside a restaurant. There axe several films of topical and humorous interest on the same programme. STRAND THEATRE. Mabel Normand, who made a success recently at the Strand Theatre in " Dodging a Million," a Goldwyn photo-play of r.o small merit, reappears this week at the same theatre in her latest Goldwvn success, " Peck's Bad Girl " In this picture she is seen as the " tomboy ' of a quiet country village. There are several good supporting plays, and at the evening sessions special music is supplied by the Strand orchestra. GLOBE THEATRE. The third episode of the sensational serial, " The Eagle's Eye," is proving a popular attraction at the Globe theatre. This episode deals with an attempt by Germany to "bottle up" the Atlantic fleet in New York Harbour. " Playing Fair" is the title of a good supporting picture. QUEEN'S THEATRE. An actress who has not been seen in Auckland (or some time is Miss Bessie Barriscale, who makes her reappearance

at the Queen's Theatre in a dramatic tale, "The Cast-off." She is supported by a strong company. The story is of a. girl who rises from the position of'a-' shop assistant to that of a famous actress. Other pictures of interest are also screened. PRINCESS THEATRE. Olga Petrova, the talented actress, who has not recently been seen in Auckland in motion pictures, is reappearing, this week at the Princess Theatre in her latent success, "Tempered Steel." She shows striking ability in this dramatic production. The interest of the tale surrounds the life in and about a well known theatre in New York. Included in the programme is the hilarious comedy production. "A Dog's Life." This is the first million-dollar production released by the National Ejiliitors, who produced the sensational photoplay "My Four Years in Germany.' NATIONAL THEATRE. An adaptation of Ralph Connor's popular novel " The Doctor of Crow's Nest " is the principal attraction at the National Theatre. In this version, which is entitled "The Heart of a Lion." William Fartium figures to great advantage. 'J lie supporting programme contains a nev Sunshine comedy, as well as topical pictures. PALACE THEATRE " Tho Power and Glory," a picture that achieved great success when screened here recently, is now being shown at the Palace Theatre. The cast it'cNdes Miss June Elvidgo in the principal role, and Madge Evans, the wonderful child actress. The settings and scenic effects are worthy of note. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "The Firefly of France," an excellent photo-drama in which Wallace Reid easavs tire principal characterisation, ts shown at Everybody's Theatre. A number of good plays are screened in support.