ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10896, 10 May 1921, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

"MARAMA." GRAND OPERA HOUSE. There was again abundant patronage accorded the charming comedy opera, “Marama,” at the Grand Opera House last evening. The opera, which is the work of New Zealand collaborators, Messrs H. S'. B. Ribbands and Archie Don, is interpreted also by New Zealanders—a talented cast, which gains most enthusiastic plaudits nightly. The music is particularly tuneful, and the many “catchy’' melodies have already become immensely popular. There are several artistically-arranged ballets, which are well performed, and receive well-deserved encores. Interest is added to the production by the stirring Maori hakas and attractive poi dances incidental to the opera. The scenery is thoroughly picturesque, and the Maori pa setting is most realistic, with a fine panoramic of the thermal regions for a background. “Marama’’ will be repeated this evening. The box plan is at the Bristol till 5 p.m., and, after that hour, at Ned Perry’s, Manners street. THE EMPRESS “DARLING MINE.” The picturesque scenes of Ireland furnish a delightful atmosphere for “Darling Mine,” now showing at the Empress, featuring Olive Thomas, and is a pleasant diversion .for the theatregoer. Perhaps the fact that Olive is Irish herself accounted for the fact that this charming Harrison Fisher girl does some of her best work in the role of an Irish colleen. In addition to the big picture there are others chosen with a view of interesting all. The exciting serial, “The Invisible Hand,” is carried forward another , chapter; there is an instructive Gaumont Graphic, and a tinted scenic giving glimpses of India and the French Pyrenees. Seenics are welcome if for no other reason than that they are seldom screened. A repetition will take place at all sessions this week. EVERYBODY’S. “THE WHISPER MARKET.” “The Whisper Market,” the Vitagraph production 'being shown at Everybody’s Theatre this week, has provided Corinne Griffith with one erf the finest acting opportunities of her screen career. As Erminie North, wife of the American vice-consul at Rio de Janeiro, she gives a vigorous, sympathetic portrayal of a real woman, moved by womanly emotions, who fights bravely to help her husband, and, unwittingly, falls into the toils of a band of international blaokmailers. It is a story of mystery and adventure, involving the Governments of two continents, and the woman is the centre about which it revolves. Her good intentions act as boomerangs. It is when she is at bay, torn by conflicting emptions, the prey of fear and anguish, but with unquenchable devotion, that Miss Griffith gives of her very best—and there is no better. It is a gripping story, with a number of big scenes acting with a tenseness and honesty which bring the whole production to great heights of. -realistic drama. “ALF’S BUTTON.” AT THE KING’S THEATRE. Full of the humour that made “The Better ’Ole” sparkle, and without its pathos, “Alf’s Button,” the companion picture, brings hack to *u» Alf *lggins, one of the “three musketeers” of Bairnsfhther. Its humour is infectious, its story is clever and original,' being a kind of continuation of Aladdin’* lamp, and its characterisations are such as are seldom seen either on screen or stage. Of all the big features screened on hoard the Renown on the recent tour of ii. It. IX. the Prince of Wales, this picture was easily the favourite of the Prinoe and the whole ship’s company. Alf disooverswtvhen cleaning up his buttons in cam** on the very muddy plains of Flanders that the second to top button has all the powers of Aladdin’s lamp. He is astounded, but recovers and calls in Bert, and . fhe pair and sundry friends set out on a world-tour per magic carpet and the power of the genie. As a prologue to the film Miss Kathleen O’Brien dances artistically, and the King’s orchestra were as delightful as ever in “Pique Dame” (Suppe) and other appropriate music. The programme, which was greatly enjoyed by a bumper house last night, will be repeated this evening, “THE BETRAYER.” AT THE STRAND THEATRE. The Beaumont Smith production, “The Betrayer,” shown for the laßt time at the Strand Theatre last night, has certainly taken the fancy of the Wellington public. The greater part of the film was taken in and around so that the picture has a very special interest to New Zealand folk, and as the story unfolds the notion moves across the water to Sydney, where the- heroine of the tale, a halfcaste Maori girl, becomes the rage of the social smart set. The scenes of Sydney harbour are very fine. Good supports were shown and enjoyable music provided. EXTRAVAGANZA. COLLEGE STUDENTS AT OPERA HOUSE. The annual extravaganza- of Victoria University College will run for three nights at the Grand Opera House, commencing on Saturday next. Scores of students have, been rehearsing for weeks past, and the production should be a most successful one. Chinese scenes, and an act of regal magnificence at the Imperial Court of Strasburg are included, and the two other acts are supposed to be located in Russia and Crusoe Island respectively. Mr W. H. Stainton has written special music. Miss Marie Richmond designed the costumes for the production, and the whole is under the personal direction Of Mr Vryn Evans.