ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17957, 6 December 1921, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

. "FIREFLY." "The Lilac Domino," which has been produced at His Majesty's Theatre by the J. C. Williamson musical comedy company, has he en regarded as the finest production of the kind seen in Auckland for many a day, but "Firefly," staged for the first time last evening, delight just as many. It is not every day that a company of the kind has in its repertoire two such excellent compositions, but this is mire than an ordinary company, and it has been given work worthy of ite merit. "Firefly," described as a comedy opera — a title its music and its mirth justify—is by Otto Harbach and Rudolf Friml, the author and composer of "Katinka" and "You're in Love." Its music makes it a : greater thing than "Katinka" and if not the author, then the master fun-makers of the J. C. Williamson company make it gayer and more funny. It wuuld be quite wrong to suggest that tho author has not made a real comedy. He has, but the company, which is so strong throughout, maizes every trifle tell, and without the introduction of the vestige of vulgarity. Miss Rene Maxwell as Nina, an Italian street singer who is forced into an adven ture in the capacity uf a cabin-boy, and who eventually becomes a prima donna, has a pait in which she appears to revel. The solos which fall to her lot mckde "Love is Like a Firefly," "Giannina," an I "The Dawn of Love. " Other tine numbers she shares, and last night she scored all the way. Apart from the singing, the part requires high comedy skill, ana Miss Maxwell proves htrscif to be as good s comedienne as a singer. Mr. Claud Flemming, tho male lead, has the psycho logy and the personality for the part of a genial bachelor whose diplomatic ci pacity does not even desert him when tho grotesque misunderstanding occurs over his love sickness. The trouble simply , s that he falls in love with his nephew's fiancee, and his heart to hea'-t tall; with that young man results in the awful mifunderstanding that the elder wants the girl's aunt. Mr. Flemming has a r&ro gift of becoming friends with the audience without the use of any obvious methods. His greatest score, and it was one of the best of the evening, was in the duet "Sympathy" with tho charming Boubrette, Miss Edith Drayson. The bi^ man sang well, but how he did make lovi, and how he did turn it into comedy ! Miss Drayson sang and played like tbp finished artiste she is, and Miss Bene Gold was heard to great advantage in th«. solo of 'In Sapphire Seas." Chief funmaker was Mt. George Gee, who has th» power of making anything funny without apparent effort. In the role of a clerk, anything but confidential, with his littU pills for his heart attacks, his wonderful feet, his original tricks in speech, be constantly kept the audience laughing, Miss Muriel CatKcart and Mr. Hugh Steyne, as maid and valet respectively, were a delightfully merry pair, and Mr. William Valentine, an the forlorn sweetheart, made a real character, A notable study of an Italian choirmaster was given by Mr. Lou Vernon, arid he sang most acceptably. The capacity of the chorus is well known to those v/ho saw the previous production. Under the baton of Mr. Cass Downing the chorus acquitted itself wonderfully. The finale of the second act reached oper. atic standard, and tho male chorus wa;! perfection in "The Beautiful Ship from Toyland." A tarantella was danced by Miss Mae Baird and Mr. Archie Thompson, . in their finished style, and a bright ballet t gave a fitting background. "Firefly t will be repeated to-night and each nignt this week and also at the usual matinees.

OPERA HOUSE. The first appearance of two English artißts, Norton and Forbes, was heartily greeted by large audiences at the Opera House yesterday. The lady, who is gifted with a • pleasing soprano voice, sang a couple of songs in attractive style, wnilei her male partner is also responsible for some excellent renderings. Their dialogue, too, was smart and clever, and their act had an unexpected climax. The juvenile contortionists, the Almaroy Duo, made a welcome reappearance. Both artists presented some very clover and graceful items, their work in concert being all that could be desired. They were assisted by (effective costuming and stage setting. A budget of songs was presented by Peter Brooks, the " fashion-plate tenor," in a very satisfactory fashion. The popular vioMste, Maggie Foster, again showed to great advantage in several selections, exi cellent interpretations being given in every case. Repeated encores were gained by 'Miss Flora CrQtr.er, comedienne, and her versatility was marked by song, monologue, and dance. Intricate dances were capably executed by Russell and Frost.,/wnile comedy was offered by the English pair, Weir and Poole. The Yorkshire comedian, Tubby Stevens, again E roved popular with the house. Ling and ong, who are in their last week, wore the authors of much merriment, while the variety of the programme was enhanced by a xylophone item by Renaux and Arta. Tho programme will be ropeated this evening and at tho usual matinees. i

MUSICAL REVUE. e An original musical revue, "Bubblfcs," will be staged at the Foresters' Hall, Takapuna, on Thursday and Friday evenings, Forty people will be concerned in the production, tne artists including some of the leading Auckland amateurs. The proceeds will be divided between the funds of St. Peter's' Anglican Church, Takapuna, and the Takapuna Tennis Club, Tho entertainment is being produced by Mr. Bryce Hart, and will includo an orchestra under the baton of Mr, J. H. Phillpot. Among the performers will be Miss Beryl Nettleton, Mrs. Bell Booth, and Messrs. Palethorpe, F. A. F. Bone, and Dan Erevan..

SCOTCH CONCERT. Ail attractive programme of Scottish songs and humour, Highland music, and national dances has been arranged for the Scottish concert to be given by the St. Andrew's Socicty in the Town Hall concert chamber this evening. The artists include Miss Natalina McCallum, Miss Laura Stone, Mr. W. E. McKinlay, Mr. Duncan Black, and Mr. Wight man McCombe. Tho society's pipe band will make its first appearauco since the w»r, and Miss Rubv Phillips will lead a troupe of Highland "dancers. The accompanist will be Mrs, Neave. Tickets are obtainable at Messrs. Lewis R. Eady and Son, !,td., where seats may be booked.

MUNICIPAL CHOIR. A programme of carol music will be given by the Municipal Choir in the Town Hall on Saturday evening. Mr. Sydney Butler and the city organist, Mr. Maugnan Barnett, will also take part in the entertainment.