ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20115, 28 November 1928, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A J. C. Williamson attraction to commcnco at His Majesty's Theatre next Wednesday is the return visit to the Dominion of the "Midnight Frolics," with Clem Dawe, one of the most popular of revue artists. Sparkling music, comedy, dance and song will givo a cheerful air to tho Frolics' programmo. This clever company of comedians has just concluded a wonderfully-successful season in Melbourne, and subsequently in Sydney. Arrangements Imvo been completed by the management for I ho acquisit ion of London's brightest sketches, songs and scenes for the presentation, thus ensuring a most piquant variety. A Melbourne critic says: "The programmo presented by tho Frolics is in high keeping with the standard for which they are noted. Tho lighting and scenic effects, coupled with tho colourful costumes of the performers, make a show of gre.it brilliance. In such a show as this there is always some person, usually the comedian, who appeals to the popular imagination. Clem Dawe is one of the most versatile funmakers who has performed before Melbourne audiences. Eric Edgley is a worthy companion of Dawe. Between them they mako the audience rock with laughter. Les and Dorothy White, Oscar Beck, Lillian Crisp, Gregory Inanoff, Phyllis Amcry, (Sortio Cremer and William Ferryman all assist in a fine entertainment." REVUE AT ST. JAMES'. An entertainment of the most, diverting nature is presented by the Whirl of Mirth Ilcvuo Company at present experiencing a most successful season at St. James' Theatre. George Ward and his partner in comedy, Charles Sherman, are irresistible in their many bright numbers, while the company is seen to the greatest advantage in new sketches and dances. Hotained from a previous revue company, when they created a most favourable impression, "tho Charleston Symphony Six are proving equally popular, and for their capable rendering of jazz numbers uro greeted with gieat enthusiasm. PLAZA AND TIVOLI. Mary Astor appears with Lloyd Hughes in "Heart to Heart." which heads tho programme to commence at tho Plaza and Tivoli Theatres to-day. It is said to bo a lively comedy-romance concerning an Italian princess who returns unobtrusively to her American home, and is mistaken for a seamstress, expected to participate in elaborate reception plnns. Sho assists in preparations for her own arrival, and in the meantime creates a scandal with her girlhood sweetheart, who recognises her to bo the expected princess. She is banished from the town, but later returns triumphant in her true colours, much to the mortification of those who bad slandered her. A fascinating story of Parisian life is said to be revealed in "Red Heels." the second attraction, which traces the life of a little c.afo dancer from the timo she attracts the attention of a theatre manager until she subsequently emerges as the idol of Paris, and tho revolt of her friends when sho gives up the stage for a husband. Spectacular dancing and cabaret scenes uro stated to bo the main features of the production. Lili Damita and Eric Barclay are soen in the leading roles. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. The main attraction of the programme to commence at Everybody's Theatre to-day is "Hot News." Neil Hamilton is seen as a young news photographer, famed for his daring and enterprise. An unexpected female rival, who proves to be equally intrepid, supersedes him in tho estimation of tlio public by foiling his every endeavour, but an amicable settlement is reached when the two combine in the arrest of a criminal. Bebc Daniels plays tho rolo of the rival, and together they manage to produce as many thrills and laughs as could be desired. "Riding for Fame," featuring tho popular limit Gibson, is tbe second, attraction. _ 'I lie story is said to bo decidedly original for an outdoor film. The theme is that of a cowboy whoso occupation is travelling from ranch to ranch breaking in untrained horses. A mutual attraction arises when lie meets a girl recently returned from college. When the girl's father is robbed and the (jowboy is accused of the theft, he vindicates himself by capturing the real thief after a fight, and returning the money. Ethlyne Clair and Allan l'orrest are in the supporting cast. TUDOR THEATRE. Vivacious youth is the keynote of "Road House)" a Fox production, which is one of the features of tho programme now showing at the Tudor Theatre, Reinuera. Of tho cast, Lionel Barry - more, a favourite of long standing for his strong masculino characterisations, is perhaps tlio greatest, but Warren Burke and Maria Alba need no introduction to the public. Tho story is of a young man, who through a parental misunderstanding and an infatuation for tho female member of a gang of thieves, leaves his homo for a lifo of excitement and daring escapades. Tho heights of drama are reached when the father becomes reconciled and stakes everything bo has, his family honour and reputation, in standing by his son, when he is arrested and charged with tho murder of a roadhouso proprietor. Tho other main attraction is Jack Holt in "The Vanishing Pioneer," from the story by Znne Grey. MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT. A special programme to celebrate the Schubert centenary will be given in the Town Hall on Saturday evening by the Municipal Band, assisted by soloists. Many lino examples of tho master's work, several of which have been specially arranged by the bandmaster, will be presented. Tho band will play March lleroique," "Rosamunde" overture, the "Unfinished Symphony," "Moments Musical" (Op. 94.* Nos. i and 3). and "Impromptu" (Op. 142. No. 2). Vocal numbers will be sung by Miss Alma McGruer, with Mrv Riplev at' tho piano, and instrumenta' solos will be given by Messrs. Purchase, McLennan and Bowes. Tho band will be conducted and tbe concert directed by Bandmaster 0, Smith. Booking arrangements are advertised. little theatre society. Tince of tbe \mv.t outstanding one act plays of to day will be prevented by tbe Little The.xtv S.viety in the Town Hall concert chamber, tor a season of four nights, commencing this evening. The programme include* mo«t sensational presentation of an aocident in a coalmine, "Danger,which will be played in absolute darkness and by at* unnamed cast. The other plays chosen for presentation are "The Boy Comes Home," by A. A. Milne, one of tbe most eminent playwrights, and "Maid of France," by Harold Brighouse, a beautiful little phantasy of Christmas Evo in Franco during the war. MUSICAL RECITAL. A musical recital, tho items of which wero of considerable merit, was given by the classes of St. Mary's Convent School of Music, Ponsotiby, in tho hall of Lewis Eady, Limited, last evejiing. Thero was an excellent attendance of parents and friends of the pupils. An extensive, varied and interesting programmo was presented. A pleasing item was the rendering of "La Donna E Mobile" by a juvenile violin orchestra of 10 members, of whom nearly all wero tiny tots. Their performance was enthusiastically applauded. Another novel feature was provided by several pianoforto quartettes, playing on ?i table-grand piano and an upright piano. Several attractive vocal items were also given, while there was a playetto "Lcs Enfants Chez Lea l'leurs. -,

SCHOOL CONCERTS.- t ; - Two most successful and well attended concerts have boon given by tlio pupils of the Takapuna Grammar School, at tlio Pariah Hall nt Dovonpovt on Monday evening and at tlio Foresters' Hall at Takapuna last evening. The sum of £67 was realised and ill is will 1)0 doiiatcdjto the school funds. 1 AUCKLAND CHOIR CONCERT.. The Royal Auckland Choir will givo its third concert in the Town Hall tomorrow evening. The standard of the choir's past two performances was such that the nature of the reception to-mor-row evening will without question lie a notable one. The soloists are Miss Mina Culdow, contralto, and Miss Molly Wright, 'cellist. Part songs will be sung by the choir besides new and varied quartettes. Booking arrangements are • announced.