ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10508, 9 February 1920, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

“ OOIHG UP ” AT GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Tho Grand Opera House wan filled to overflowing on- Saturday night when the sparkling musical play "Going Up’’ was again staged by the J. C. AViUiamson’s Musical Comedy Company. The piece abounds in delightful vocalisations and dances. The humour is lively and well diffused throughout the play. The settings and costumes are stylish to a degree. Tho story has to do with a young author who finds himself being "starred’’ as an airman by his pal. Tho author has never been in an aeroplane, but under persuasion of his friend and also of his publisher ho accepts a challenge from a French aviator. Tho author has misgivings as to his chances of coming out of the escapade alive, but after amusing experiences he manages to win his wager. “Going Up’’ will ho presented nightly until Thursday, and on Friday "High Jinks” will ho introduced.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. Entertainment on a generous scale will bo provided in the new programme to bo presented by Messrs Fuller at His Maj esty’s Theatre this evening. Several now performers are listed to appear for the first time, amongst them being Mr Wilfred Do Blois, a banjo soloist, who is stated to bo of exceptional talent. Other new comers will be Marzon and Florence, a strong man and his dainty and fearless partner whoso performance is stated to bo one of the most intrepid that has over been introduced to Fuller audiences, and will so it is said be a feature of the programme. Rena and Arta, xylophone exports, will render a number of popular musical numbers. Frank, Lank, and Alice, tho clever club jugglers, will reappear for a’short farewell season prior bo tholr departure for America. Lieut. Harper, the popular tenor, will bo heard In new songs. The Walter George Co. will stage a new immsieal comedy entitled "Tho Bandits.” Special interest is attached to this production for two reasons; first, because of its initial presentation on tho stage, and secondly, because the scenery, dresses, and parapharnalifi has been obtained in AVellington. The various membersof the WalterGeorgeCo., are supplied with parts which it is stated suits them admirably, and the piece is said to be liberally sprinkled with a number of brilliant vocal, terpsichorean, rind snecialtv items, and the staging and costuming to bo on a most lavish scale. The new programme will be repeated each evonimr during the week, and at tho usual Saturday matinee.

A DRAMA OF THE EiAELY DAYS. An interesting story of the early pioneer days of New Zealand, from 1862 to 1868, dealing with the hardships of the old settlers, and also depicting tho noble work of the Kiawhakakas, or Maori Missionaries, and their wives during the transition of tho Maori from a savage to a civilised life, will be presented at the Grand Opera. Hkmse) .e«mimenC.ing on February' 16th, bv Ben Mantele’s Dramatic Company, in the “Kiawhakakas.” Mr Mantele, tho au'Shor, lived in the midst" of the war and rendered valuable service. Mr Charles Archer, who produced "Hinomoa” as an opera, has control of tho production. and will play the main, part. Miss Maria Denton will appear as the half-caste wife, and will be supported by a full and efficient oast.

KING'S THEATRE. ' The King’s was again crowded on Saturday night to witness the magnificent programme of pictures, song and music. The •principal attraction is “The Crimson Gardenia," a picture.version of the famous novel by Rex. Beach. Produced at the Goldwyn theatres under the personal supervision of Rex Beach, the drama reveals the noted author in a new light oven while demonstrating afresh his verility and tremendous punch. As the plot unfolds and the mysteries of the underworld deepen, the. suspense Is heightened. The Crimson Gardenia is a drama that grips, thrills and holds. A splendid, supporting programme is also shown. Mr Herbert Wood, Wellington's popular tenor, who is making a farewell appearance prior to his departure for Australia, is heard in many popular numbers. /- e EVERYBODY'S* JTHEATRE. The "Five Million Counterfeit Plot," which is being shown at Everybody’s Theatre, is a highly Interesting story of the gang of rogues who caused such excitement in America a few years ago. The great detective, W. J. Burns, is f&atured. EMPRESS THEATRE. From the time the World Film Corporation startled and delighted patrons of the moving picture theatre with that masterpiece in photo plays—“ Hearts in Exile” —its productions have never failed to attract largo audiences to the theatres at which they are shown. This is a great tribute to the producer, and its justification lies in the class of entertainment provided. Every actor and actress is an artjst, and the producer is an artist, and the photographers oro artists, therefore the result of their combined efforts could not be other than high-class. That is why the Empress Theatre was not largo enough on Saturday to accommodate would-be patrons who wore desirous of viewing the initial screenings of “The Love Not/' a comedydrama in which is featured clever and dainty -Madge Evans, Without very much in the way of a plot this clever artist provides much amusing entertainment, and at times makes you swallow hard ns she trips through the _ story. As' Patty Barnes she is tho darling of the juvenile pirate band among tho big rocks on the beach, but is coveted by a rich lady of fashion who wants to take her from poor “Grandpev," and make a fine lady of her. Patty Toads tho lady and her governess a fearful dance, and finally escapes (inder conditions that look perilously like tempting Providence. She hides in tho fore-hatch of "Qrandper's” old fishing boat, unknown to her "Grandpor,” who has decided to put out to sea, scuttle the ancient craft, and end his troubles that way. Patty escapes from the fore-hatch, and the two are rescued as the scuttled craft is awash. ’ Another film of merit is tho twelfth episode of the Pntho aerial "The Lightning Raider,” entitled “Hurled into Space.”