ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10897, 11 May 1921, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

HIS MAJESTY’S. ATTRACTIVE VAXTDJEJVILLEI Pullers’ Vaudeville’Company. appeared before a crowded auditorium at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening, when the new programme was repeated. The principal contributors include Miss Marie Ilka (late leading lady in "The Tiger Rose") and Mr .Leslie Woods, in the playlet "Tears,’’ Huley. and Bent, Newman and \Vynne, in a charming coster sketch, and Keeley and Aldous- There will be a repetition this evening. MATINEE BENEFIT. A DANCER PROM LONDON. At the matinee benefit at His Majesty’s Theatre this afternoon, there will be among the performers an accomplished exponent of dancing in the person of Miss Vera Walmisley, who is making her first public appearance in Wellington. Miss Walmislev comes from London, where she 'has appeared at the Court Theatre and at many fashionable receptions. The pas senl that she is cn the programme for ought to prove a most attractive and interesting item. "MARAMA” FAREWELL PERFORMANCE TOMORROW NIGHT. This beautiful story set to music, the work of two New Zealanders, H. S- B. Ribbands and Archie Dpn, although now nearing its end, was enjoyed by an appreciative andience again last night, the picturesque camp on the Auckland coast and the Maori pa near Rotorua are the chief settings for this artistic musical production. Realistic thrills are imparted by the representation of _ a geyser on the stage, and the haunting melodies and Maori songs, which have by now quite caught the ear of threatregoers, were once again listened to with rapt attention. The plot, fully charged with local colour, combines mysterious legends with modern events, through ' which run the golden veins of a delightful romance. Exhilarating humour and the comedy element is fully brought out in the laughable scene where Lord Aucklington endeavours to accustom himself to Maori life and customs. The part' of the bewitching Marama is ably played by Miss Mere Amohau, whose rich voice and natural expression fit 'her for a name part fust requires a high standard of vocal and histrionio talent. Noel Allan, as Alan Dale, was again conspicuously successful, and his tenor voice was heard to advantage in the "000-ee Call’’ and his other numbers. Miss Marian Bainbridge, as Ladv Betty, was again at home to her audience, and ’her songs ‘ Manuka and "The Wanganui’’ were again appreciativelv received. Leon Fail is an excellent Lord Aucklington, while other parts expressively presented were those of Huia (Noho Toki), Nelly Brittain (the squatter’s daughter), Tony (Harry Popo’ewe’.l! and Frank Byrne iGovornorQeneral). The orchestra, under the pomposer. Mr Archie Don. again received a flattering welcome, and the Maori dances were once more repeated with the grace and rhvthm that 'have characterised them through the all too short season that "Marama" is being given m Wellington The performance will be repeated to-night, and Thursday will witness the farewell performance. THE~ KING’S. "ALF’S BUTTON.**

A tremendous success Juts been achiev. ed by the delightful cinema romance. “Alf'a Button,” appearing nightly at the King’s Theatre. This picture is aptly described as a powerful rival .to the fiamous "Better Ole.” Alf is in the trenches, and, following the customary routine, proceeds to shine the buttons of his uniform. The second button on his jacket was made from the brass of Aladdin’e wonderful lamp. Therefore, when Alf rubs the button, to his consternation a Genie appears and offers to carry out whatever Alf orders to be done. Then some wonderful happenings cnsne- Alf and his pal are spirited away to wondrous plhces, and even to London, where, with the unlimited wealth provided by the Genie they undergo some joyous experiences. There is

aa artistic dance prologue performed bf Miss Kathleen O'Brien. The King's Orchestra supplies excellent and appropriate selections. “Alfa Button" will be repeated to-night. r THE EMPRESS "DARLING MIKE* A captivating story of the adientmat of a winsome Irish lass is embodied in the .feature film. "Darling Mine,” which is protrtng a considerable attraction at the Empress Theatre this week. The thirteenth episode of "The Invisible Hand” is an enjoyable supporting jectEVERYBODY'S, MYSTERY AND ADVENTURE. A mystery and ad-venture story with a new twist is '“The Whisper Market.” a Vitagraph production starring Oonnna Griffith, which is showing at Everybody's Theatre. While the narrative is gripping and dramatic, ail of the events are well within the grounds of possibility. In an excellent supporting programme. "Smiling" Bill Parsons causes much humour in "Oh! Bill. Behave!" and the latest Pathe Gazette is very interesting. HORACE HUNT RECITAL. LAST CONCERT ON SATURDAY. The last of the Horace Hunt recitalh takes place in the Concert Chamber on Satuidav. The programme includes “Liebestraum,” "Gopak," three Debussr pieces, “The Island Spell" and Schumann numbers by Horace Hunt; “The Erl* King" and three other Schubert songs bv.Hamilton Hodges; "The Jewel Song" (Faust). Teresa Mc&iroe; “Burgliot" (for declamation and piano). Bessie Thomson, and Percy Grainger’s "Sentimentals" bv Miss McEnroe, Herbert Wood and Harold Whittle. The re* serve plan may be seen at the Bristol. SIGNOR NOTARIELLO. CELEBRATED OPERATIC TENOR. The keen disappointment felt by Web ington people atfbeing unable to hear John McCormack last year in now being amply compensated by Messrs J. and Is. Tai>- by 'the introduction of a brilliant operatic tenor direct from the Theatre Constanza, Rome. Messrs Tait, with their wide experience of concert direction regard Notariello as the finest tenor who has yet visited the Dominion. Thin estimate is based upon the remarkable success of the' Auckland season, just concluded. Notariello was a pupil of Do Lucia, one of the greatest Itiliui tenors of his day. De Lucia and Sebantin no (one-time teacher of Caruso) nave both declared their firm belief in Mo* tariello’s ultimate world-fame. One -of the leading critics in Rome said"lt is certain that Notariello will follow in the footsteps of Tamagno and Cameo.”* For the New Zealand tour Messrs Tait have engaged three exceptionally fine artists. Mr Gordon Short, solo pianist, recently arived in New Zealand after eight years abroad. A Vancouver new#, paper describes him as "one of the leading pianists of modem times.” Mina Ruth Florence, soprano, comes with excellent credentials from the Scale Opera Company. San Francisco. Mise Kay Fox was declared by a reliable Wellingtoa newspaper to be "the most promising Australian violinist who has tppeaiv ed in Wellington." The season commences at the Town Hall on Saturday evening, May 21st. and follows on with four nights at the Opera House. DIVIDENDS DECLARED. Australian and XA Cable Association. LONDON. May 9. The following interim dividends have been declared: —Adelaide Electrio (preferred), 6 per cent.; Melbourne Electrio Supply (preferred), 5 per cent.; ScottiabAustralian Investment Company, 2} per cent.; all free of income tax. A final dividend has, been declared by the directors of the Scottish-Australian Mining Company of 7j per pent.