ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 9871, 17 January 1918, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

J, C. WILLIAMSON'S MUSICAL COMEDY COMPANY.

Of the successes in recent years nothing has aproached the boom that has attended the showing of the musica. comedy “You’re in Love.” which will be staged here for the first time by JC. Williamson’s New English Comedy Company on Saturday evening next in tho Grand Opera. House. “You're in Dove’’ has been aptly called a gladsome springtime attraction, and this., combined with the title, conveys what manner of musical comedy the whole play isThcre is said to be not a dull moment in the whole three hours of music and mirth, wonderful costumes and dazzling scenic effects. . The lighting, too. in “You’re in Love” is one of the many tig features; in fact, to use the words of a Sydney exchange, “it is aoubfcful if there has ever been a musical comedy with more artistic lighting. The lights are constantly changing, and always to meet the mood of the moment, whether expressed in song or situation. For example, the warm glow of the opening Hawaiian dance, becomes a hard searching glare when Miss Connie Ediss tells why she is a grass widow. Then in the 'He, Will X'nderstand,’ the light is ecfitly suffused, and in. the encore the stage is gloomed to indcfmitouTOs, and the faces of the chorus are shown by a glow from bowls they carry" in their hands.” The second production is the saucy and piquant musical farce "Canary Cottage,” Seats can now be booked at the Bristol Piano Company for tho six nights of “You’re in Love.”

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. The excellent programme provided at His Majesty's Theatre drew a large attendance at the vaudeville centre last evening. A remarkably fine turn was that of Mr Ted 'McLean and Miss Genevieve Lee, who gave something in the dramatic line quite out of the ordinary. Another dramatic sketch of interest, more in the shape of burlesque, was that of, Gus Blake and Maud Granby. In the musical line the Kennedy’s achieved a great success '-with remarkably fine selections in which the flute, cornet, ’cello and piano were engaged. A particularly fine dancing act was supplied by Hickey and Rose: Kco and Helmar in athletic'performances were superb. Other performers were the Coleman Sisters’ McKay and Graham, Lilian Teece, Jones and Raines, Ernest Pitcher and the Klentos. EMPRESS THEATRE. A powerful and fascinating drama entitled “The Corner Grocer” is the principal attraction at th 0 Empress this week. Madge Evans is featured as the little orphan who is left penniless at the tender age of eight. Charles Wendel, a kind old grocer, adopts her and she soon becomes tho dominating spirit in the Wen del household. Years after, when Mary has grown up, she falls in lovo with Rolpii, the grocer’s son, but no neglects her for another girl, who is in reality an adventuress. He forges his father’s name. ruins him and is charged with the murder of the woman’s accomplice, _ The little orphan girl manages to retrieve the boy from disgrace. Thei story has a fine ending amidst particularly beautiful surroundings. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. A Vitagraph feature entitled “For Franco” is tho chief attraction at Everybody’s this week. The .play ,is introduced on an elaborate scale in keeping with the best tradition of the Vitagraph Company and is without doubt the greatest war picture yet shown. . Eric von Kroheim is the real name .of . the. actor who portrays the Hun cavalry officer in tho production, and he is the most wonderfully life-like type imaginable for the part. The supporting items include the 11th chapter of “The Secret Kingdom.” ’The 'White Witch,’’ the “Rathe Gazette.” and other items. TniSfG’S THEATRE. “Seared .to the soul bv an early love affair, and making mankind, her’ prey” describes the evil adventuress at the gambling palaces of Southern Trance, Honoe Zenlay. the heroine of “Sweetheart of the Doomed,” a 'Triangle feature of unusual dramatic power now screening at the King's. Throughout tho picture some magnificent scenery is introduced and the fiual chapters of tho story are very pathetic. . CROWN THEATRE. “Youth,” a splendid World Film drama is now being shown at the Crown Theatre. This is an exceptionally interesting story featuring June Elvidge. Carlyle Blackwell, is the hero, who after finishing his education is sent out to earn his own living on account of his fast living havits. The youth does not immediately become able to work like a navvy. He buys a houseboat, and dodges work. His, gradual reformation,through meeting a girl -full of practical common sense, is natural. The supporting characters are worthy of. mention, particularly the Japanese valet whose quaint observations ore eifoy and original. He aleo shows a big blustering driver a neat surprise m jiu-jitsu. Tile “fourteenth episode of “The Iron Claw” is very sensatwmal. while the latest Gazette and a Keystone comedy, complete this pleasing programme.