ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17843, 26 July 1921, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE.. The popularity of Mr. Hugh Huxham's Serenaders at the Opera House was considerably increased by the varied entertainment presented to two large audiences yesterday afternoon and evening. With several comic sketches and humorous songs to create merriment, and a judicious interpolation of musical items and specialties, they succeeded in thoroughly pleasing patrons on both occasions. On the musical side of their programme the singing of Gounod's "Ave Maria " by Miss Edith Huxham and the company was the best appreciated of the many offerings. The same soloist was also heard to great advantage in the spirited jazz number, " Jazzing the Blues Away " (which it would do very effectually), and in the novelty "Belle of the Ballet." In each she had the assistance of the other members of the combination. Miss Madeline Knight's contralto solo, " Beneath Thy Window," was delights fully sung and deservedly appreciated. Mr. Fred Heraud (baritone) and Mr. Ren Millar (bass) were in excellent voice, and contributed two or three good songs must acceptably. Miss Mona Thomas was heard in the pretty Oriental specialty " In Cairo," and Miss Pop Batterbury in the serio-comic number, " My Best Boy," was also pleasing. Mr. Reg- Harrison was excellent in a parody' on " Miami Shore " and an encore number, and Mr. Herbert C. Walton's comic song, " Peter Pip, the Postman," was very diverting. The burlesque melodramas introduced and the final farce, depicting scenes in a courtroom, caused roars of laughter. In the vaudeville first part the Whimiscal Wades, knock-about acrobats; Fifi and Eddie de Tisne, sketch artists; and Gardiner and Revere, .burlesque artists, kept the house well entertained. The programme will be repeated each evening this week and at the usual matinees. K OTHELLO." A notable achievement went to tho score of the Allan Wi'kie Company in their presentation of " Othello " at His Majesty's Theatre last evening. The tragedy is one which needs powerful, yet delicaite, handling. When mighty passions are the theme of the playwright, the actor must interpret them as such, but it strains his art to avoid tearing those passions to tatters by ranting and declaiming too much. As the tempestuous Moor of Venice, Mr. Allan Wi'kie gave a powerful reading of the part. The agony of doubt he suffers when jealousy first begins to poison his mind was vividly portrayed, while his delineation of the proud and dignified soldier when facing the senate was faithful and artistically satisfying. Miss Hunter-Watts made an appealing Desdemona, her hand\inz of this great emotional role illustrating her resource as a character actressThe lago of Mr. Robert Purdie was a faithful portrayal of the subtle villain of Shakespeare's creation. His alteration from smoothness to venom was admirably done, and altogether he gave a subtle and thoughtful rendering of the difficult role. Mr. ,T. R. Workman as Roderigo, and Mr. William Lockhart as Brabantio sustained their roles thoroucrhlv well, while the Emilia of Miss Loma" Forbes and the Bianca of Miss Vera St. John were all that could be desired. The remainder of the parts were capably handled, the whole making a notable performance- " Merchant of Venice" will be staged a second time to-night. DRAMATIC RECITAL. A dramatic, musical and costume recital will be given by Mrs. Arthur Griffiths and her advanced students next Thursday in the Town Hall concert chamber. Selections from Shakespeare, Dickens, lan McLaren, and Sir Edwin Arnold, a fantasy, " The Maker of Dreams," and an old English comedy with novel costumes and lighting effects will be given. The musical items will be rendered by Miss Natalina McCallum and Mr. James Hutton. The box plan is now ©pen at Lewis R. Eady's. THE '' VICE-REGALS.'' The " Vice-Regals," under the direction of Victor Beck, will make their first appearance in the Town Hall concert chamber on Saturday evening. Their entertainment promises to be one that should not be missed. Beautiful dressings and mountings are said to add to the charm of the performance. Mr. Will Crawford, an interesting and versatile comedian, who is already well known to the Auckland public, provides much of the humour in the little plays which are a feature of the company's repertoire. The concerted performances, especially the burlesques and sketches, are said to be even more important than the solo efforts of the " Vice-Regals." The company is said to have an admirable group of vocalists, including Miss Jessie Meadows, Miss Hilda Meadows, and Miss Rosa D'Arcy, Messrs. Laslett Exton, Roy Simpson, R. Pearce, and Chris. Kilner. Mr. G. P. Hanna will contribute humorous characterisations and crayon caricatures. Humorous chatter and songs will be provided by Mr. Johnny Marks. The box plan opens to-morrow morning at Lewis Eady's. "THREE WISE FOOLS." The first production during the J. C. Williamson comedy season, which commences at His Majesty's Theatre on Tuesday, August 2, will be " Three Wise Fools." This play has achieved great popularity in oydney, where it was recently presented for the second season in six months. The success of the second appearance was even greater than the first, the comedy drawing crowded houses throughout the season. The company is said to be well cast. The principal "role is filled by Mr. J. D. O'Haira, who is said to give aa excellent portrayal of the character of the cross-grained old banker. His acting during the encounter with his nephew, and the revelation of his manysided nature having been particularly warmly applauded in Australia. Altogether the company is said to make " Three Wise Fools " a thoroughly enjoyable play. It will be followed by "Welcome Stranger," and "Lightnin'." The box plans open at Lewis Eadv's, Queen Street, on Friday.

"50.000 MILES WITH THE PRINCE."

The Prince of Wales* recent tour of Australia and New Zealand was followed with keen interest by the British Empire and the fi m, "Fifty Thousand Miles with the Prince," which is now being exhibited at the Town Hall, is a fine record of the actual receptions and demonstrations accorded the Prince in many parts of the world. As a means of stitau- >'' ing patriotism, especially among the children, it should be invaluable. The film met with creat success in Wellington and is one which all should, see. for it depicts much which is new and highly interesting. There are two sessions daily, in the afternoon and in the evening.