ENTERTAINMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18292, 8 January 1923, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT.

"OH, LADY, LADY." The modern craze for entertainment of the lightest, possible description is thoroughly well catered for in " Oh. Lady, Lady." It is musical comedy and revuo in one, a hotch-potch of clever nonsense allied with syncopated airs, which tease the ear and set the sense* swaying. Inconsequential gaiety permeates the piece, the collaborators, Guy Bolton and P. C. Wodehouse, the English humourist, having made the book atad lyrics bright and amusing without straining after artistic effects. These have been left to the producer to introduce in the presentation of their work. Jerome Kern's musical score is noticeable for some very tuneful numbers and now and then for some elaborate and enticing orchestration. The latter is especially good in the finale to the first act, and m the accompaniment of the pretty song " Mammy." On the whole the music is above the average, cleverly combining as it does the rag-time with the sentimental ditty, and always having a quality of seductiveness. Of the production of the piece at the hands of the, J. C. Williamson Company at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday evening there could only have been one verdict favourable one. Much of the credit for Hhe success achieved must go to Mr. Harry B. Burcher for the excellence of the staging and effects, and to Miss Minnie Hooper for the ballets »nd ensembles. Both principals and chorus, ballet members and supernumeraries, entered into the spirit of.the comedy and gave a sparkling performance, marked by many surprisingly good features. The dance specialties were among the best of these. Miss Madge Elliott and Mr. Cyril Ritchard, for instance, brought down the house in the second act with their dance, " Mv Ladv Nicotine," a kind of modern jazz with a dash of Spain and a soupcon of Russia in its interpretation which made it parti--cularly piquant and attractive. These • two artists" have attained to something near perfection in their dancing, and rank very highly in, a; class of artists of whom Australia may be proud. They richly deserved the appreciation that was enthusiastically showered upon them. " The Burglair Dance," performed earlier in the ■ evening by Miss Gwennie Withers and Messrs. Jack Hooker and Phil Kennedy, was another outstanding specialty, though of a different type. If. was an eccentric pas de trois in character, something between the Apache and the American "tough." being portrayed. These artists also won well-deserved laiurels. In the cole of Fanny, the fainting pickpocket, Miss Maude Fane was ideally cast. Her sense of humour, her gift of burlesque, her winsome personality, and her remarkable versatility were all utilised to the full, and she thoroughly chairmed her audience as well as keeping them heartily amused. The originality of the character enabled Miss Fane to get right away from convention, and she seemed to be more fascinating as the gay evening sped. Evidence of her artistic gifts was forthcoming in several directions, in none more so than in her fjnging in the mock-.dramart.ic duet, '' Think of Me," which created roars of laughter, as contrasted with her exquisite rendering a few minutes later, of the gem of the piece, " Mammy." Mr. W. S. Percy, as the ex-burglar and valet, Spike, was the very epitome of drollery, keeping the baM of mirth rolling continuously while he was in the . picture. In association with Miss Fane the popular comedian was in his element, his well of wit nevor running dry. Miss Floie Allen was sweet and dainty as Molly, the heroine of the sentimental plot. She srjng charmingly in several pretty duets and the delightful solo "Whispering." Mr. Cyril Ritchard played naturally and with much humour as the voung. Bohemian, Willoughby, besides singing acceptably. His principal success was won through his dancing, but -. his impersonation, of the part was likewise excellent. Miss Madge Elliott also played well as Marjorie, showing more ability in that direction than the average premiere danseuse. Mr. Field Fisher was seen in a grotesque caricature- of a disgruntled elevartor man,, his every entrance being the signal for unstinted merriment. Mr. Cecil Kelleway presented a clever and diverting sketch of an aristocratic private detective. Mr. Ronald Hogue and Miss Millie Engier completed a capable cast. "Oh, Lady Lady," will be repeted each evening until* Saturday, when' the musical comedy " Mary" will b» substituted.

THE SISTINE .'.. CHOIR. The farewell concert of the Siatine Choir Soloists at the Town Hall on Saturday night was a delightful occasion, both for the great audience and the famous singers. An excellent programme of classical numbers wa3 submitted, and the encores were unique as to quality and generosity. The final "scene of farewell was very charming. Streamers linked the audience with the singers, and cheers were exchanged. Several of the soloists were '■■" pelted with flowers, and the excellent leader, Maestro Emilio Casolari, was crowned with laurel like a Ceasar. The Sistine Choir Soloists should have pleasant memories of Auckland and its Mediter-ranean-like charm and geniality. , - TIVOLI THEATRE. . \.\ , The graphic story of the South Pacific told in ' The Man Unconquerable," ip meeting with keen appreciation this week at the Tivoli Theatre, where it is the principal film on the new programme. Jack Holt is starred in the chief role, , and is ably supported by Sylvia Breamer and other talented artists. Powerful situations abound in the': plot, which has to do with the machinations of a gang of desperadoes at a pearl fishery, and their undoing at the hands of the hero. Also on the new bill is a laughable Mack Sennett comedy, a Burton Holmes travelogue, and excellent supporting pictures, covering a wide range of subjects. STRAND THEATRE. . . The wholesome sentiment and entertaining humour of " Trouble," now' the principal attraction at the Strand Theatre, has caused the picture to attain a high degree of popularity. Jackie Coogan, the boy actor, wins fresh laurels, to say nothing of hearts, in his portrayal if the diminutive hero of the story. Gloria Hope is seen in a sympathetic mother role. GRAND THEATRE. The charming comedy-drama. "Little Lord Fauntleroy," in which Mary Pickford plavs the title-role as well as the part of Dearest, the lad's mother, is mtrading large and delighted audiences at the Grand Theatre. The favourite star adds to her already high reputation" as an actress in this dual performance. Also on the bill is the ninth chapter of " llobinson Crusoe." NEW LYRIC THEATRE. The stirring drama of the South and New York, " Divorce Coupons," is the main feature of the current programme at the New Lyric Theatre. In this! (ale of a girl who" married with the determination seek a divorce and obtain alimony, but changed her mind subsequently,.-" Corinne Griffith is seen ,to very great. advantage. Richard Talmadge in "Taking Chances" is also featured.