SPECTACULAR PANTO.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9691, 20 June 1917, Page 7

SPECTACULAR PANTO.

“HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT" FIE ST PRESENTATION AT THE OPERA HOUSE. "The House that Jack Built,” which was presented by the J. G. Williamson Company at the Grand Opera House last evening comprises a series of gorgeous spectacles with variety acts and mecm'anical effects almost run riot. It is more of a modern revue than the old fashioned pantomime. This is acknowledged by the management inasmuch as it is described as a pantomime extravaganza. An attempt i,= made to build it up on tho nurserv rhyme, from which it takes its name, but the story is soon lost slight of. Once tho characters are started on their stage career their relation lo any cohesive inciuents is completely forgotten and they set out to entertain the audience bv the most novel means conceivable and available at tho hands of a management bent upon sparing no expense on scenes of unexampled splendour. Many are the mechanical devices resorted to for the purpose of exciting wonder: there is much meiwy music. ballets, and tableaux gator,-. There is a feast of great pageants rapidly .succeeding one upon the other in which a multitude of juveniles as well ns adults are engaged. ' The colour schemes introduced arc great. In fact t|i£> kalewoscopic effects arc so expansive and bewildering that one is inclined to exclaim towards the end of the evening, "What next:!’’ A more repetition of some of the scenes which go to make, up this .graua spectacular production give an idea of what a jumble "pot pourri” it is. There are animated dolls, a procession of vegetables. dunce of tho emotions, the Allies and the Anzacs, ballet of the seasons, patriotic pageant, tableaux presenting commerce, agriculture, industry, science, and art, and a triumphant march past of the Allies.' What more could bo wanted in the way of quaint picturesque ness and exhilarating spectacle? Tho charming English principal boy of the combination is Miss Hilda Gniver, a shapely statuesque lady with a mellow speaking .voice and musical qualities which were demonstrated to be thoroughly agreeable in the ditties "Jingle Johnny,” "Our Boys.” "Baby 8011/’ and "In Tulip Time.” One of tljie finest colour schemes was witnessed during the singing of the last men. Honed with the advent of quaintly-dress-ed Hutch children and richly' costumed girls. Quite' a blaze of tulips was presented. Miss Guiver was ;raost effective where she figured as a dashing naval officer during her spirited singing oi "Our Boys.” While singing "Jingle Johnny" she w-as attired as a pierrot, and had a background of children tinkling sleigh hells. Miss Constance Cayley, as the Prince Regent was most attractive in her khaki uniform in the Anzao specialty, and with her contingent of colonial warriors, made a great impression. In "Some Night, Some Waltz, Some Girl” this young lady also made a great hit. Miss Gretchen 'Yates, as tho principal girl, is especially dainty, and is as fair and frisky a pripcess as has yet been see in these parts. . Mr Arthur Stigant has been here before and we like him because be is a thoroughly humorous dame without being vulgar. He is in this production seen in new forms of burlesque, broad, rich and without too much 'exaggeration. There is a quaint quietness about, him which, is irresistible. In this production he stands out pre-eminently. ' The ..company is strong in comedians. Mr Harry Jkixbury _ is most infectious "with his unpfoaridus sallies and was most humorous in his description of “The Tanks

that Broke the Ranks,” and other matters in tho military line. His "Touch Wood” is a great inspiration. Messrs William Fuilbrook and Ernest Langford eccentric and character comedians respectively, filled the bill of fun to repletion. Mr .Sligant joined them in a most mirthful scene entitled “Building a Chicken House.” Mr Langford, who filled the role of Farmer Barleycorn, had a make-up as a care-worn insolvent farmer, which was particularly effective. Miss Dorothy Eirmin. of course, gave a good account of herself as the village maiden. ' Miss Amy -Murphy appeared as the Fairy Queen with a melody that might have been more acceptably chosen and Miss Maggie Dickenson was quite charming as the Fairy Sunbeam, her exhibitions of dancing being of no mean quality. Mr Charles Albert figured remarkably effectively as the agile Demon of Despair, especially in the "Dance ot the Emotions/' and Mr Frederick Hearne must not be forgotten in connection with the clever impersonation of the Lord of Misrule. There was a crowded and well contented audience and the many novelties introduced were duly acknowledged. The orchestra was particularly satisfactory under the conductorship ot Mr Adrian Amadio. and tho whole production' reflected considerable credit. on the adroitness of the stage manager, Mr J. C. Whitfield and his assistant, Mr, Geo. Young. The whole production it may bo mentioned is to bo credited to Mr Chas. A. Wenman. There will be a matinee as well as an evening performance to-day.