ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17623, 9 November 1920, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" THE GEISHA." Among tho brightest and moat quaint of comic operas " The Geisha " holds a high P-ace in the esteem cf theatregoers of experience, the melodious nature of its music and the artistry of its orchestration beins well remembered. Thanks to the enterprise I°t the Auckland Amateur Opera Society, , an opportunity is now given to renew acI Quamtance with this favourite work. JudgJ ing by the Quality of the first performance »' His Majesty's Theatre last evening, the : remaining season of _ six nights should be ivayed to even larger audiences than ths one which witnessed the successful premiere. Outstanding features ot the production were the animation and vim which distinguished the work both of the principals and the < horns the absence of many of the little naws that so often mar amateur shows, the i laying 01 the orchestra and the singing or the chorus under the baton of Mr. J. Alaushan Uirnett. an 1 the really admirable staging and costuming. The work of the stage manager. Mr. W. J. Crowther, was also an parent. A good impression was made in the opening chorus, and therealter as the opera swung along this impression was heightened, until only the hypercritical remained unsatisfied. Generally f,'"ak,ng the score received a remarkably niie lnterpr.'fitum from instrumentalists, principal vocaic-ts. and chorus. If there was one direction in which there seemed t<> .be t room tor improvement it was in -int of the tempo at which the conductor • took some of the choral numbers. A speeding-up of the pace in these, would inpart a briskness which was just a trifle lacking Inst evening-. The) dreamy nature of much of the music presents a temptation to take it at a slow tempo in order to bring out its full beauty, but nevertheless the temptation might well bo resisted tor the sake of the effect acceleration would give. Mr. Harnett's work with the chorus and orchestra »m in all other respects beyond praise, and he had his forces well in hand to the fall of the curtail. Tln toe lea<iln role of O Mimosa San. Mrs -,, L1,y . Giover, of Christchurch appealed to all in front, her charm, ng persona: v. her animated acting, and her very agreeab'e and expressive singing voice gaining her instant popularity. She eang " The Amorous Goidnsh. __ "A Geisha's Life." "The Jewel of Asa. and other delightful numbers in a manner which aroused embus, asm. the clarity and purity of the notes in her upper register being especially marked. As Molly beamore. Miss Beryl Net tie ton was also a pronounced success, in &pite of a voice not quite full or rounded enough to suit the whole of the music of the part. Her vivacity and daintiness, however, more than made amends for any vocal short-comings, and her dancing was attractive, too. In the well-known song, " The Toy Monkey," she was at her best. The part cf the French girl, Juliette was piquantly played by Miss .Norma McManus- a very pleasing artiste with a manner and a voice of sweetnesß. She was capital in the duet, " Ching-aring-a-ree." Her partner in the latter. Mr. L. E. Glass, was droll in the part of the Chinese, Wun-Hi. and his humorous work created much laughter. His solo, "Chin Chin Chinaman," was delivered with the success usually associated therewith. Mr. Clif. Crowther sang and acted well as Reg. Fairfax, a role in which he was completely natural. His best effort was in " Star of My Soul." which he sang with great expression. Other excellent performers were Messrs. Alf. Warbrick, Robert Geddes, W. Cotterill. and Miss Muriel Barr. An interpolated ballet by Miss Cecil Hall's pupils was an enjoyable item. Encores were trequent and there was a popular demonstration at the fall of the curtain.

OFERA HOUSE. The bright programme presented at the Orw>ra House yesterday was ushered in by Miss Curley Sherwood, whose appearance ana vivacity i/ave a. distinctive touch to her item of song and story. The banjo airs played by Louis W. Bloy set the» feet tapping and evoked warm applause. The balancing act of the Minciair Brothers was both original and skilful, and called for agility and strength ;eldom shown to better advantage. The popular character sons: comedian, Louis London, offered a number of songs in his own popular style, and was called upon for several encores. The Williams Sisters had a very popular item, including a budget of new "wigs and jokes. A sketch, entitled "The Woman Haters' Union," provided Ward and Sherman with an inexhaustible fund of humour and enabled, them to keep the audience entertained. Miss Curley Sherwood also appeared in this item, and provided a very effective reason for disbanding the union. Huley and Bent were responsible for a great deal of mirth in their sketch, and Pagden and Stanley returned to find a warm i welcome awaiting them. Their droll humour 1 and catchy rhymes were worthy of the apI plause accorded them. Bert Coleman, the clever mimic and whistler, varied his item by n. Hebrew make-up. which afforded a good . excuse for song and jest, concluding with an enjoyable whistling solo. The popular cc median, Billy Elliott, was unable to appear • on account of sickness. _ The programme will . bo repeated each evening this week and at the usual matinees. CATHOLIC CARNIVAL. The carnival _ and bazaar in aid of the Auckland Catholic schools was continued'in ', the Town Hall yesterday. There was a very , large attendance, people crowding the ticket ' office to such an eztent that at one time the Bale of tickets had to be stopped. The principal attraction was the opening of a season of 12 nights of " The Arcadian Revels," under the direction of Mr. Owen Cardston. The entertainment commenced with a ballet, entitled " A Garden in Bohemia," with Miss ! Laurel Marshall as soloist. Other scenas were: — "In Our Grandmothers' Days," "A : Hunting We Will Go," " The Time of ; Nelson," and " The Pipes of Pan." These fanciful ecenas were well carried out, the children displaying a confidence that showed the effect of careful training and rehearsal. j ST MATTHEW'S BAZAAR. ! A bazaar -will be held in St. Matthew's Parish Hall on Friday and Saturday. It will be opened by the Mayoress, Mrs. Gun son. The bazaar will be open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.. and, besides a number of produce and ' work stalls, there will be bran tubs for the . children and refreshments. Orchestral items i will be supplied by Adeane'3 orchestra, while lon Saturday evening a display of fancy dancing will bo given by Miss Beresford's pupils.