ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19806, 29 November 1927, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE MIKADO." The J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company will stage to-morrow night and on Thursday evening two brilliant revivals of the whimsical and tuneful Japanese comic opera " The Mikado." This is one of the most popular of the series and it owes its success to its numerous musical gems, including " Tit Willow," " Three Little Maids," " He Never Would Be Missed," " The Moon and I," and " A Wandering Minstrel." Mr. James Hay's tenor voice is heard at its best as Nanki Poo, and Mr. Charles Waleun is inimitable as Ko Ko. Mr. Bernard Manning's representation of the Mikado of Japan is a brilliant character sketch, and Mr. John Ralston is at his best as Pooh Bah. Mr. Lance Fairfax will appear as Pish Tush. The three little maids will be portrayed by StreJla Wilson, Mabel Gibson and Effio Armstrong. Miss Winifred Williamson will be seen as Katisha and the chorus and orchestral work is said to bo a feature of the revival. There will bo a matinee performance of " Ruddigoro " tomorrow afternoon and " Patience " will be staged on Friday and Saturday evenings and on Saturday afternoon. RIALTO AND EPSOM REGENT. Mildred Davis, the popular actress, who has appeared in many of Harold Lloyd's productions, returned to the screen, after four years' absence, in "Too Many Crooks," which will be the leading attraction on the new programme to commence at the Rialto Theatre today and at the Epsom Regent to-mor-row. The story concerns a wealthy Long Island society girl who determines upon a playwright's career and engages a quartette "of noted criminals to visit her home in order that she may study their habits. The picture contains numerous exciting episodes and a splendid climax. An exceptionally powerful cast appears in support of Miss Davis, including El Brendel, the well-known character actor. Shirley Mason plays the chief role in "Sweet Rosie O'Grady," which will bo shown on the same programme. It is the story of an abandoned waif who is brought up in the East Side of New \ ork by a Jewish pawnbroker, under tho protection of a warm-hearted policeman. The waif j grows into a beautiful girl, idolised by every inhabitant of the sordid district. Her" beauty fascinates a wealthy young man whom she meets and their subsequent romance is full of adventures.

REGENT THEATRE. The humour of college life forms the basis of "Rilled Stockings," tho latest Paramount film, which is having a successful season at the Regent Theatre. The story concerns two brothers, one a studious, unsophisticated lad, and the other a "gav Lothario," who both fall in love with the same college girl. The change of outlook of each boy is a deciding factor in enabling the girl to choose which she shall marry. A remarkable scene, which also provides a fitting climax, is a most exciting boat race. A cast of young actors includes Richard Arlen, a relation to the well-known playwright and novelist. Louise Brooke and Nancy Phillips. A strong supporting programme includes items by Fred Curran, English comedian, another of the Music Master series, organ solos by Eddie Horton and a wide range of additional pictures. LYRIC THEATRE. Those who have sought something new in the theme of Western film stories should be pleased with the unusual treatment given to "The Devil's Saddle," the current attraction at the Lyric Theatre. The film shows tho picturesque region inhabited by the early Hopi Indians and the wonderful scenic" beauty of the Hopi settlement. Ken Mavnard, the popular Western actor, has the leading role in a gripping tale of the out-of-doors, Not the least interesting of the performers is Maynard's horse. Tarzan, which is credited with almost human intelligence. In moments of extreme danger the animal reveals uncanny resourcefulness and successfully extricates his rider from many difficult "situations Kathleen Collins makes an admirable leading lady, while other members of the cast include Francis Ford. Paul Hurst, Earl Metcalfe and Will Walling. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The screen version of tho popular stage play, "Cradle Sr.atchers," has drawn large audiences to the Majestic Theatre since it was first shown last Friday. There is a wealth of amusement in the story of the three neglected wives who retaliate against their erring husbands by "adopting three youths to fulfil the ro!e3 of lovers. Louise Fazenda heads a particularly versatile and energetic band of comedians. The parts of the other wives are played by Ethel Wales aqd Dorothy Phillips, j. Farrell Macdonald, William Davidson and Franlvn Pangborn interpret the parts of the husbands. Kamo, the banjo-mandclinist, has a place on the vaudeville section of the programme, while a delightful musical score is rendered by the Majestic orchestra under Mr. Whiteford-Waugh. STRAND THEATRE. "After Midnight," a drama of Broad way night-life, is the principal attraction on "the current programme at the Strand Theatre. Norma Shearer is said to have one of the best roles of her career as Mary, a,cigarette girl in a night cabaret, whose steady character is in strong con trast to that of her sister (Gwen Lee), who 13 a flighty choms girl. "Colleen," featuring Madge Bellamy, is the chief supporting picture. It is an Irish comedy drama of the type that has recently been very popular. Charles Morton and J Farrell Macdonald bead the supporting cast. An animated cartoon of the "Aesop's Fables" series and the Strand Magazine are also showing. PIANOFORTE RECITAL. The students of Mr. Walter Impett will give a recital in the Unity Hall next Thursday evening, when a varied programme" of songs and pianoforte items will be given. The students are accomplished performers, and an enjoyable performance is expected. Booking arrangements are advertised.