ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18088, 12 May 1922, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

" BABES IN THE WOOD."

Gorgeous as to scenery and costumes, packed with attractive specialties, lightened by clover nonsense and harmonious both in music and in colouring, " Babes in the Wood," the ,J. C." Williamson pantomime, made an emphatic success at His Majesty's Theatre last, evening on the occasion of its first presentation in Now Zealand. A good impression was made on the initial rising of the curtain, when memories of the splendour of " Chu Chin Chow " were evoked, for the scene was an Oriental one, glittering under a brilliant lighting system a.nd peopled by men and women in ran -coloured raiment, the predominating dress tints being green, orange arid yellow. Nor was the tirst impression eradicated as the action progressed. Spectacularly the production showed every sign of having been specially refurbished for its Dominion tour and the stage pictures which followed each other in such rapid succession were one and all tributes to the scenic artists and producer responsible. In many senses the pantomime proved to ho what it is claimed to be—the best yet—so far as the Williamson firm is concerned. Just enough of the old fairy tale was preserved in making the " book " to keep the children out in front wrapped up in the fate of the two " babes," and in this process the skilful use of various devices, and of the robin ballet in particular, helped die illusion. The comeuy of the extravaganza was along traditional lines, with this distinction,' that the comedians engaged in the 1 cast confined themselves to brief scenes 1 and nothing became wearisome.. Another factor in the success attained by the production was tho animation and vivacity iof action and actors—principals, chorus ; and ballet. Musically, it was pleasing ! and the number of jazz and rag-time tunes introduced made for exhilaration and 1 gaiety. Many of tho ballets and specialty dances were a definite advance upon tho« seen in previous productions of tho type, ono matter of some interest being that li" ; certain of these the dancers had dispensed with tights in accordance with an up-to-date Parisian idea. In the catalogue o) agreeahle features which the pantomime offers, a high place must. be. given to the clever and dainty children figuring in tlx cast. Of these, little Nellie Barnes and Mollie Fisher as the babes won all heartf in performances that were naturally sweet ! and in songs really well sung. The authors of the libretto, taking the customary license, mingled tho fairy story with that of Robin Hood, whom they made their " principal boy." Tn this role an actress of charm and personality in the person of Miss Nora Delariy (Lady Max well) made her bow in Auckland. stage presence lout itself admirably to the requirements of the part a,nd she was a handsome and dashing Robin ITood, whci gained many admirers. She had several attractive solos, " Bad Boy," " Italian Skies," " Coal Black Mammie," and others, all of which she sang with artistic effect and a sense of humour where requisite. Tho bold bad baron was played by an old favourite, Will S. Percy, who waf welcomed on his first entrance by prolonged appla\ise by the large audience. It ! is some considerable time since Mr. Percy i has appeared in Auckland, since wheii 'ho has had London experience, and though his part last evening was comparatively small for a comedian of his ability, he made it prominent and extracted a great deal of humour out of it. Miss Ida Pedrina was a pretty and artistic principal girl, aer Maid Marion being delightful, both as to acting and singing. Miss Floie Ellen, the soubrette of the companv, was another charming member of the cast. Miss Josie Melville, the preImi ere danaeuse, again gave convincing proof that Australia is rich in such artists. Her dancing was the acme of grace and lightness, her special scenas with the premier danseur, Mr. Frederick Mackay, evoking; the heartiest applause. In tho "dame' role Mr. Jack Williams was very I whimsical, his "business" being marked 'by original touches and his "gag 3 being for the most part new. Naughton and Gold, eccentric comedians and dancers, were a merry pair of entertaineni, whose work was of a, distinctly high standard. Their humour was laughable, and thev created the best of impressions. Tho Araery Sisters, a pair of dainty ' dancers and soubrettes, presented some I attractive specialties in acceptable fashI ion. Mr. George Willoughby, as a villainous lawyer, assisted materially in the fun-making. Bobbie Jackson won rounds 1 of applause for his clover impersonation of a scarecrow. The pantomime will be repeated each evening until further notice and At matinees to-morrow and on Wod- , nesday.

CHURCH CONCERT. A. concert in aid of St. Aidan'a Church Guild was given in the parish hall last evening before a large and appreciative audience. TW opening overture was played by Miss H. Walters (piano) and the Messrs. Ansell (violin and cejlo). Songs were rendered by Misses Myra Monk and Roche and Mr. Hugh Woods, elocutionary items by Miss May Woods and a pretty dance solo by Miss Rosa Sachs. Mrs. Lionel McGregor played a pianoforte solo and acted as accompanist -ihe arrangements for the conccrt were m the hands of Mrs. W. S. Spcnce, and as a result of her efforts the funds of the guild will greatly benefit.

ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR. The opening concert ot f.ho reason by the JLtoyai Auckland Choir attracted a crowded attendance to the Tow a Mad his evenu£ i>i. W. L. Thomas inducted rr 0 male voices. The choir was ou the whole, well balanced, and except in one or two of the heavier works, allowed sound intonation and well-judged sion. In the opening part-sonj,, Hymn to Apollo" (Gounod), a hne displaj of unaccompanied singing was tho bro;uier features, as well as the quictei beiag P£ sented. Dard's exquisite Nightfall was an excellent achievement, in which subdued part-singing was a conspicuous feature and its repetition was welcome b) wav of encore. Tiia more aggressivo "Who Sails with Drake?" with its stentorous phrases, gained such a reception that the singers had to appear again this time in a sotting cf the hymn Fierce Raged the Tempest." Two numbers bv Sir Edward Elgar included After Many a Dusty Mile" and "Feasting, 1 Watch. What is popularly known as " community singing" was introduced in the setting of Eluar's "Land of Hope and Glory," opportunity being here given for the audience to join in the chorus, fcomewhat irresolute at first, the large gathering gained fresh courage in each successive phrase, until the hall rang with the sound, the novel experience doubtless gave pleasure to the majority present, though wheth r tha higher musical interests are served by the inclusion of this stylo of singing a concerts by prominent musical o[>en to question. Gerard F. Cobb s.hi el / imaginative cantata, A Song o . car " was a new work which, in the courso of its musical message, embodied some of the noblest traditions. The choral work 13 diflicult, and last night many of the roiccs showed signs of tiring before the close, which was not to be wondered at, seeing that many partBongs had already been given. The lines allotted to the Boloists, Messrs. C. F. 1 erfeet (tcrior) and T. B. liowo vbass) wcte tastefully given, tho last-mentioned singer excelling in distinct enunciation. Berthold Tours' "Hymn to Cynthia" and the familiar "Soldiers' Chorus" from Gounoda Faust" completed the Male Choir's efforts. Miss Lois Evans was oncored after her sinning of Donizetti's "0 Luce di Quest Anima" and "Tho Song of Flor.an (Godard). Tho lack of maturity in hor opera tie interpretations is partly compensated for by a certain freshness of platform manner and a somewhat nnrostrained vocal style. Mr. Harold Baxter, who appeared for the first time since his return from London, speedily proved himself a cultured artist in his violin solos, " Hvmne au Soleil" (Korsakow-Kreisler) and"" Cradle Song" (Sammons). These, as well as his recall solos, showed impeccable

intonation and poetical conception. Mr. .Robert Romani was heard to much advantage in tho " Prologue" to* " Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) and Mendelssohn's "1 m a Boamer," with its wide vocal compass. The latter, in fact, constituted one of the evening's successes, gaining a double recall. Mr. Cyril Towsey was a wholly admirable accompanist.

TIVOLI THEATRE. Another strong double bill will be screened at the Tivoli Theatre for tho u Y cek commencing this evening. Otio of the chief films will be the Paramount screen adaptation of the musical oornedy, •Oh, Lady, Lady," in the stage version of which Dorothy Brunton is making auch a success in Australia. In tbo picttiro Bebe Daniels plays the role of May Barber, the amateur "vampire," who intervenes in a friend's romance with the best of intentions, but makes a sad bungle of it which takes a deal of straightening out. Prominent in the cast ire Harrison Ford, described as the most handsome man on the screen, and Walter Hiers, said to be the funniest fat man in the silent drama. These three, combined with a capable supporting cast, und lovely settings, are said to ensure thoroughly enjoyable interpretation of tlie comedy. The second feature on the new programme to-day will bo "White Oak," featuring William Hart. As is usual in this Btar's productions be has once more disdained the trivial and made his latest effort deep in its emotional appeal and strong as to its characters. Iri the role of Oak Miller tho favourite leading man depicts a plain, white-hearted and courageous gambler, whose mission in lifo is to punish tho man who had deceived his sister, Ilose. There are a scries of sensational happenings, including a bank robbery, and an attack upon a train by a band of Indians who throw a "circle of death" around the trapped passengers. How the escapo is eventually elfected forms one of the most exciting incidents in tho enthralling story, an intelligent dog figuring in the climax. Hart plays an heroio rolo in this portion of the film, and interest is worked up to the limit ere the denouement is reached. There will be another Burton Holmes travelogue, a good comedy, and topical films, in support of tbo principal features. NEW LYRIC THEATRE. A double attraction is to bo screened at the New Lyric Theatre for a limited season commencing this evening. This will comprise the highly successful comedydrama, "The Kid," featuring Charles Chaplin and little Jackie Coogan, and "Alfs Button," the companion picture to "Hie Better 'Ole." During its fortnight's run at tho Strand Theatre, "The Kid" attracted record attendances, and public interest had not by any means died out when it was withdrawn yesterday. The transfer of tho picture to tho New Lyric will enable many who were unable to witness it before to do so now. The outstanding feature about this latest production of Charles Chaplin's is the serious interest, the human note that is struck. Accustomed as picture patrons have been to seeing Chaplin in roles restricted to sheer comedy they will find in 'The Kid" an entirely new standard of art from the comedian himself and a definite effort to tell a story with something of real life in its elements. The manner in which the attachment between the tramp and the waif is brought out in this film is fascinating and convincing. Chaplin makes the most of his many openings for fun-creating, but ho goes further, by revealing a capacity for registering on the screen emotions which go much deeper than mere drollery does. Jackie Coogan may be written down as one of the best of child actors. His work in this picture is on a plane of excellence scarcely to have been looked for from one of his tender years. The supporting cast is strong in types and the story keeps tho spectator alternately amused " and interested. Tho second feature on tho new programme, "Alfs Button," is a comedy extravaganza written and presented in breezy style. It is the tale of a British private who, while rubbing his tunic buttons materialises a genie who immediately offers to obey his slightest wish. Alf takes his comrade Bill into his confidence, and their subsequent adventures with the aid of the genie—humorously dubbed Eustace —form one of the funniest comedies imaginable. GRAND THEATRE. Owing to the phenomenal success achieved by the Charles Chaplin picture, " Tho Kid," during its fortnight's run at tho Strand Theatre, it has been decided to screen it for a further season at the Grand, where it will be the principal attraction at all the day and evening sessions for a week commencing this morninc- To-morrow there will be a special matineo for children. Tho Chaplin film is one that appeals to all tastes, adult and child alike. Unlike many of the previous ■ productions in which the famous screen 'comedian has figured, "The Kid" strikes a sincere and human note, and is by no means confined to mere comedy. What j there is of humour is definitely funny, ! and what there is of pathos is real and heart-stirring. Chaplin plays the role of J a seedy tramp apparently living on his wits. He finds a deserted baby, and, beine unablo to uet rid of it, ho adopts it, tho day eventually coming when ho fights for the retention of tho child to whom in fivo years he has become deeply attached. The adventure? of the twain are a clever admixture of comedy and drama, so that the spectator is one moment laughing immoderately and tho next, experiencing emotional sentiment. Chaplin gives a very finely-shaded portrayal, and he is fortunate in his selection of the child who plays the rolo of " The Kid. _ This lad, Jackie Coogan, gives ail astonisEly good performance, gamine the complete sympathy of tho onlookers, whether in the comedy scenes or in the dramatic ones The principals are well supported in the cast, and the general excellence of the picture is undoubted. Also on the pro crainine to b'J inaugurated this morning is an all-British film, " The Kinsman featurinc the dainty English actress, Chrissic White. A third future is the eighth chapter of " The Adventures of an ' a serial which is proving very popular.

BROADWAY THEATRE.

Those who have not yet had an opportunity of witnessing the William I ( ox masterpiece, " Over tho Hill," may do so this eveninir when it will be screened again at tho Broadway Theatre, Newmarket for tho last time. Few films carry tho dopth of appeal to the best sentiments in human nature that characterise this one. It is a fine lesson in filial duty and an eloquent illustration of mother-love. The story is replete with tense interest, its moral effect being gained without ' prcaclung, « is woll-nigh impossible to witness it without being moved by its sincerity and pathos. To-morrow afternoon and evening From the Shoulder," featuring Buck Jones.