ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19799, 21 November 1927, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERA. The initial presentation of "Ruddigore," the Gilbert and Sullivan opera, will be given at His Majesty's Theatre next Saturday evening by the J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company. "Iluddigore," which was one of Gilbert's favourite operas, is a burlesque on the old-fashioned melodramas, and its merit is due to the many beautiful solos and choruses it contains, the cleverness of the ' book and the music. Miss Strella Wilson fills the leading soprano parts in the present productions, while Mr. James Hay takes the principal tenor roles. Other prominent artists appearing are Charles Walenn, John Ralston, Bernard Manning, Patti Russell and Winifred Williamson. It wilt be followed iri rapid sequence by the production of "The Mikado." "Patience, "Yeomen of the Guard." "lolanthe, "The Gondoliers," "H.M.S. Pinafore," "Princess Ida" and "The Pirates of Penzanße." Booking arrangements are advertised. LYRIC THEATRE. The main attraction on a fine doublefeature programme at present showing at the Lyric Theatre is " Lost at the Front," a First National production. A war comedy, the picture is yot different from 'others of that class, as the action takes place on the Russian Front. George Sidney and Charlie Murray, the chief players, appear as two enemies, who are brought together by force of circumstances. Many and surprising are the adventures which happen to them at the firing line. The leading feminine role is played by Natalie Kingston, one of the stars for 1927 chosen by the Wampas Club. Tho second picture is " The Timid Terror," with George O'Hara in tho chief role. It tells of a young man who, desiring to own a motor-car, receives a taxi-cab as a present. His subsequent adventures are exceedinly amusing. MUNICIPAL CONCERT. The excellent singing of the Municipal Choir, under the conductorship of the city organist, Mr. Maughau Barnett, was a feature of the Municipal Concert given in the Town Hall oil Saturday evening. This body 01 singers shows signs of sound training and their renderings are highly cultivated. The finer points of expression arid enunciation are paid attention and the adherence to pitch in the various unaccompanied part-songs is praiseworthy. The opening m&drigal, Palestrina's "When Flow'ry Meadows," gave scope for much delicate singing and the accentuations were rendered with precision. A certain gloominess of mood pervaded Elgar's "The Prince of Sleep," and though the harmonies of this were voiced with care, it is scarcely likely to prove a favourite in the concert room. There was a less academic flavour about the same composer's "After Many a Dusty Mile," the lilting rhythms and independent part-singing being skilfully realised. The charm of Mendelssohn's harmonising was fully brought out in the choir's tasteful rendition of "The Nightingale," and this was followed by Bantock's fanciful part-song, "On Himalay," in which the ideas were faithfully expressed. The old-fashioned order of things was evident in Barnby's setting of "Sweet and Low," and the applause which followed showed that this appealing lullaby has not lost anything in popularity. Bantock's skill in presenting many uncommon effects in harmony were a feature of the number, "Tho Standard on the Braes 0' Mar," which was sung with much spirit. Violin solos of great merit were played during the evening by Miss Ina Bosworth. She has good tone, and her in- ' tonation, particularly in double stoppings, ! is dependable. A sympathetic interpreta- | tion was first given of a Danish melody J by Percy Grainger, after which Miss Bosworth showed a cultivated technique in the Brahms-Hochstein "Valse." Sarasate's glowing "Romanza Andaluza" gave the artist every opportunity to display warmth of tone, while her encore numbers were equally attractive. Air. Birroll O'Malley was well received for his tenor solos, "At Dawning" (Cadman) and the dashing "La Donna e Mobile," from Verdi's "Rigoletto," and responded again after each appearance. Mr Maughan Barnett's organ solos were played in his usual masterly manner, and included in the first part Handel's "Concerto" No. 6, Bach's "Gavotte in B Minor," and the Old English air, "The Carman's Whistle," in which charming carillon effects were introduced. . The famous blind organist, Hollins, was represented by his welcome 'Morceau de Concert," written in Valse form, while Firmin Swinnen's unusual sketch, "Chinoiseries," was an alluring portrayal ot Oriental ideas. The pianoforte accompaniments by Mr. Leo. Whittaker were up to his usual high standard.

I MERCANTILE MARINE CONCERT. An excellent programme was enjoyed by a good audience at the concert given by the Mercantile Marine Officers' Club in the Town Hall concert chamber on Saturday evening. So many items had been arranged that some of them had to be cancelled to fit the programme into the time available. The entertainment commenced with several items by the Alohaland Quartette, whose numbers were much appreciated. Particularly striking were a Hawaiian guitar hilo march, " Ualike," and a Hawaiian hula dance. A banjo and guitar duet, " Stars and Stripes," was very popular. The Lyric Four, whose "Plantation Melodies" were one of the successes of the evening, were also warmly applauded. Mr. Alan McElwain was at his best in several much appreciated humorous items. Some very enjoyable songs were given by Mrs. Cyril Towsey. Miss Beatrice Birrel and others Some Maori songs by Mrs. F. Robertshawe were much appreciated. Violin solos, including " Valse Triste" (S'belius) and " Hymn to the Sun " (Kreisler), were played by Miss M. McMurtrie. Humour was provided by a delightful sketch by Mr. Rex Yates and his party, entitled '"'Courthouse Humour," and by a comedy monologue by Miss M. Thompson, who also contributed a dramatic monologue. LUNA PARK REOPENING. The many innovations installed at Luna Park for the summer season were tested for the first time on Saturday by an appreciative public, when a happy crowd streamed in and out of the battlemented gateway. It was a joyous occasion. Visitors renewed their acquaintance with all the original devices for inspiring laughter or causing sudden thrills, while in addition they discovered new and alluring attractions. The carnival spirit which pervades Luna Park was amusingly symbolised in a weird procession which passed through the city earlier in the day. The train was headed by a motor-, lorry bearing an imposing structure representing the medieval castle which fronts the park. Then came a large representa. tion of a rooster, which was followed by "Felix" and a monstrous caterpillar whoso movements were made erratic by a lack of unanimity among the legs. Among the new devices at the park is the Goofy House, a mysterious building which aroused great interest on Saturday. I Free concerts and the promenade above the new scenic river caves were also much appreciated. . »

"THE VANITIES." What is described as the novelty entertainment of the year will commence a short season of throe nights in His Majesty's Theatre to-morrow evening, when Miss Cecil Hall's pupils will present "The Vanities." The total proceeds of the performances will be donated to the Auckland City Mission funds. A well-varied programme includes songs, choruses by Jasper's Limited, a short, humorous pantomime, a Spanish play, and a selection by a large orchestra conducted by the Rev. Jaspei" Calder. Booking arrangements are advertised.