ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLI, Issue 9539, 22 December 1916, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

J. C. WILLIAMSON, LTD., MUSICAL COMEDY SEASON.

A nondescript encyclopaedia of mirth, music, and spectacle under the title oi “So tong, Letty" is to be the Christmas attraction at the Grand Opera House, commencing on Boxing Night, under tho direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd. The company numbering over 100 will arrive on Monday , morning next by the Moeraki, the scenery, properties, wardrobe, and electrics came to band last week, several full scenic and lighting rehearsals will take place before Tuesday evening, so that everything will be in readiness for the opening performance. “So Long, Letty" will servo to introduce to Wellington an English artist of big reputation, Connie Ediss, who was the idol of the London Theatre public. for years. Another English, artist who will bo making his first appearance will be Air William Greene, who comes to the Dominion with big London credentials. Playgoers will welcome the reappearance of that brilliant young artist. Dorothy Brunton, who it is said has never been seen or heard to better advantage than as Letty Robbins. The staging and mounting of "So Long, Letty" is said to bo sumptuous and magnificent, and the orchestral, choral work, and gorgeous ballets are features of the production. Positively only five productions of the opening piece can he given, and it will give wav on -New Year's Night to a brand now prodnetion of the latest London Gaiety triumph, “To-night's the 'Night’." Tho box plans for “So Long, Letty" are now on view at tho Bristol. HIS MAJESTY’S, At His Majesty’s Theatre a lengthy programme is being submitted, headed by the popular Bert La Blanc Travesty Stars. This amusing combination is responsible for round upon round of laughter.' An uncommon turn is given by the Flemings, whose "alabaster creatiopa" are ele-’or and artistic. , Ihe Three Ruddles provide an entertaining item. A smart manipulation ot bayonets and battle axes is tho contribution by the Alerts, who are thoroughly deserving of the applause they receive. , KING'S THEATRE. Tho great three feature programme at the King’s, including “Xmas Day at Trentham," , will bo shown for the last time to-night. Pauline Frederick will appear as “Zaza" in the next change. She is a popular singer , in one of the gayest music-halls in Paris, and is much sought after by tho beaux of the city. One night she meets Bernard Dufrene behind the scenes, and after a flirtation.’ falls in love with him. It. is not long before he establishes her in an apartment, where they live happiiy tor several months. Her infatuation for Bernard is the only real and lasting emotion that Zaza has ever, experienced. and she dedicates her whole crude nature to the task of making him happy. It i« therefore a terrible blow to her to find that Bernard is mamed and has a little, daughter. Stung to the depths of her savage nature by ms duplicity, Zaza’s first thought is for revenge, but her wonderful character brings this powerful picture-play to a wonderful ohmax. , TUB EMPRESS. “Wicked New York," now successfully showing at The Empress, will bo finally withdrawn after to-night. A wonderful photo-plav Ims been built around Boot!) Tarkington's very human story of Ute in Platville, “The Gentleman from *udiana.’’ which is to be shown at the Empress Theatre to-morrow. Booth Tarkington’s stories are immensely popular for their true-to-life characters. ‘ The Gentleman from Indiana” is John Hark, ness (played by Dustin larnnm), the big 'Varsity footballer, who goes down to Platville to run the “Platville Herald,’ knocks out the corrupt political bogs system, breaks up the notorious Whitecaps- and falls in love with the sweetest ffirl in the town. A good selection of supporting items completes the programme. _____

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. To-night will see the final screening of the current programme at Everybody’s Theatre. The star feature, ‘1 he Captive God,” has proved a big drawing card during the week. At the change of programme to-morrow the best of the fine set of films to be shown is an elaborate dramatic feature' called “The Wolf Woman,” which is announced as the first real vampire picture that the Triangle studios have px-odneed. The story is constructed with the idea of demonstrating the consequences of fast living, and the climax shows the downfall and punishment of the unscrupulous charmer Who had used her beauty and fascination to ’ gain pleasure and power. In this production Louise Glaum wears a series of beautiful gowns that should make the picture popular woth the women folk. A CHRISTMAS NIGHT TREAT. A special Christmas programme has been arranged under the direction of Mr Clement May for Christmas Night at the Grand CRjera House. The programme will bo strictly in accordance with the Christmas season, and Mr May /will feature that world-known extract from “A Christmas Carol” (Charles Dickens), “The. Awakening orEcroogc.” Interpreted by Mr May in his inimitable style, with full choral organ and chimes effects, it is a scene long to be remembered. Mr Mar will be strongly supported by several well-known artists, including Mr Hamilton Hodges (baritone), Miss Eileen Driscoll (mezzo-soprano), and Mr Prank Thomas (pianist). Patrons are assured a delightful evening’s entertainment.