ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19177, 17 November 1925, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE OPERA HOUSE.

FAVOURITE COMEDIAN RETURNS,

'1 he return of the talented comedian Phil Smith at the head of a bright, versatile company was made most welcome by a large and enthusiastic audience at the change of programme at the Opera House last evening. The comedian has lost none of his old serve and he comes with many new witticisms, all of which hit the mark last evening. It is a long time since the Opera House has seen so bright and clean a show. The company's initial vehicle, "Mamma's Boy " is nothing if not novel, for it has all the element's of * a musical comedy and a play, and to add that there are songs, dance and fun there mingled with the plot is only to indicate that interest is never for a second allowed to wander from the stage. The fun commences when Mrs. llum ford (Peggy Peate) brings her new and second husband, Reginald (Phil Smith), to visit an old friend, Dr. Gargoyle, the principal of a college. Before introductions take place the doctor tells Mrs. Ilumford that he has left everything to her in his will provided she does not marry again. Then arises a problem; how to guise Reginald. With much hilarious persuasion he is induced to net as his wife's son. Of course, all rights itself in the end but the complications which arise in the meantime are screamingly funny. One only has to see Phil Smith with bis shock of red hair, dressed in a neat white sailor's suit, to laugh. He goes back to school but unfortunately for his wife, is more worldly wise than his teachers and his occasional profanities are a matter of concern to them. He is forced to play football when on his own admission he can play leap frog and can " just stand marbles." He is also forced to revive his French and grammar. Withal the part suits him to display his best. lie is once more the oppressed, but he shows that oppression is the funniest thing in the world.

Peggy Peate has a pleasing mezzo voice and she was perhaps happiest in the song. " I Do Mot Know." Nat Hanley was cast as Bolger, the school bully and he was given opportunity to display his great versatility. He was a good second to Phil Smith as a comedian, while as a trick pianist his jazz-classic version of Rubiusteih's Melody in F was deservedly popular. He also danced and sang. William Greene played Mons. de Boullion, the French master, with just the right proportion of accent and gesture to make him convincing. He also scored in the musical number " Stop It," assisted by Phyllis Nicholsin, Mildred O'Brien and Ballet, Robert Raymond was the doctor, while Phyllis Nicholson and A 1 Mack, cast as relations of the doctor, fitted well into the general scheme of things. Not to be forgotten are the six welltrained ballet girls. Their ensembla work was the best seen at the Opera House for some time. The comedy is superbly produced. The scenic effects and the dressing are artistic and all the musical numbers are popular. The whole thing is clean and generally of a,high order. Four vaudeville turns also figure on the programme, Morris and Cowley, English burlesque comedians, scored with their many absurdities while Enid Parker showed herself to be a versatile and accomplished violinist. _ Leo Sterling was again popular with his drum, cornet and patter and Lilly Denville was recalled for her catchv song-s and eccentric dancing. The orchestra supplied delightful incidental music The programme will be repeated all this week. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. " Charley's Aunt," the Paramount fijm version of Brandon Thomas' world-famous comedy, continues to attract packed houses to Everybody's Theatre each evening. The picture is said to be even more amusing then the original play. In addition the programme includes Bebe Daniels latest Paramount picture, "The Crowded Hour," in which the star has the role of a pretty telephone operator who longs for a stage career. With a partner, she tries her fortune during an amateur night on Broadway, but is hooted from the stage. However, this incident proves to be first step toward a successful career. The scene later shifts to the fighting lines in France, where a number of exciting incidents centre round the saving of an ammunition dump from the enemy. TIVOLI THEATRE. Reginald Denny's latest production for Universal-Jewel heads the current programme at the Tivoli Theatre. 111 Show You the Town," as it is called, has been described as one of the great comedy successes of the year. It depicts the difficulties of a young man who has promised to show the sights of the town to three different young women at the same time. He manages to entertain all three at once in the same cafe, though each is unaware of the existence of the other two. Marian Nixon, Edward Kimball and Lilyan Tashman are included in the supporting cast. "The Crowded Hour," starring Bebe Daniels, is also screened.

RIALTO THEATRE. Fred Thomson and his beautiful, highlytrained horse, " Silver King," whose work rivals in interest that of the hero himself, appear in " Galloping Gallagher," which commences at the Ilialto Theatre to-day. The story relates how Bill Gallagher, a wanderer, arrives at the town of Tombstone just as the town is cowed bv two bandits who are robbing the bank. The hero and his horse capture a bandit each, and Bill is made sheriff. A young lady evangelist shortly afterward comes to the town, and the sheriff feels himself responsible for her safety. The scene is thus set for an interesting story. A Universal production, " The Triflers," starring Edith Roberts, will also be screened.

STRAND THEATRE. Fred Hayward's Jazz Band is proving an exceedingly popular attraction at the Strand Theatre, and is drawing crowded houses each evening. "Judgment of the Storm," the principal picture attraction, is also a film of unusual merit. It was produced by the Palmer Picture Corporation from a* story by a Pittsburgh housewife. It tells in a series of thrilling incidents of the manner in which a young man makes amends for a crime for which he holds himself partly responsible. •

EMPRESS THEATRE. A well-selectod programme of vaudeville and pictures will be screened at the Empress Theatre to-day. The featured film is " Enticement," a First National production, with Mary Astor in the principal role. It is described as a gripping, emotional drama, acted with great skill. ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR. The Royal Auckland Choir will give its fourth concert at the Town Hall next Thursday. The box plan is at Lewis R. Eady and Son, Ltd.