ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10951, 13 July 1921, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

COMIC OPERA SEASON

'YEOMEN OF THE GUARD*’ TONIGHT.

A further stage in the local season of the J. C. Williamson's Gilbert and Sullivan. Opera Co. was reached last even* inc when the evergreen and ever-deliglit-ful work, "The •Mikado,” <was staged ior the last time. The audience included a fairly large party from Government House. As on -the previous evenings ike production was capital, and principals and chorus alike did full justice to the Work allottedjAdiem. Mr Charles Walone, Mrs James Hay, Mr Albert Kavanagh, and Mr John Ralston, with Misses Patti Russell, Molly Tyrell, and Thellna Carter again achieved the successes obtained by them in earlier performances. The 'high opinions formed by theatregoers here of the Gilbert, and Sullivan Conipany now at the Grand Opera House should be strengthened this evening when the "Yeomen o ft-he. Guard” is to be presented. From the opening scene, with 'the curtain rising to disclose a girl at her spinning wheel, this romantic opera proclaims its isolation in the Savoy series. The true Gilbert and the true Sullivan are here, hut in a vein not elsewhere exploited. There is the authentic Gilbert-ian - form of wit. the pointed yet kindly satire in the lyrics and in such figure® as Jack Point and Wilfred Shadbolt, but the drollery is iestrAined, and there is,a greater emphasis laid upon elements that come often within tbo sphere of light opera. A fine cast is promised Tbr to-night’s production, including Messrs John Ralston (Sir Richard Cholmondley), Jas. Hay (Colonel Fairfax), Charles Mettam (Leonard Meryll), Frederick Hobbs (Sergeant Meryll), Charles Walenn (Jack Point), Albert Kavanagh (Wilfred Shadbolt), Misses Thelma Carter (Phoebe), Molly Tyrell {Dame Carmthers), Beryl Walklev {Kate), and Ciseie Vaughan Maynard). _ , The only matinee performance of Yeomen of the Guard'* will he held to-mor-row afternoon, at 2, and the historical interest should appeal to the younger generation. “CHU CHIN CHOW.” OSCAR ARCHE'S MASTERPIECE. Great interest is being aroused in the forthcoming presentation m Wellington of this “once a lifetime” production. "Chu Chin Chow/’ with its many wonders, its Eastern atmosphere, and gorgeous costuming, its adherence to that well-beloved "story Baba and the Forty Thieves/* as told in the Arabian. Nights entertainment# has broken all records in England for length of run, Oscar Asche having produced what has pToved to be his life s masterpiece. J* C. Williamson, Ltd., are presenting Chu Chin Chow” in its entirety throughout New Zealand, which has necessitated sending over from Australia no less than 140 peoifte. When local staffs, etc., are added it will he seen how big an undertaking the premier management! have attempted, but reports from Auckland show that the enterprise meeting with the success the risk deserved. The-over-land tour embraces Palmerston North or the 18th and 10th, Hastings on 20th an-J 21st, and Napier on the 22nd nd 23rd July. The Wellington t to open at the Grand Opera House ,on Tuesday, the 26th instant. HIS MAJESTY'S. „ BRIGHT VAUDEVILLE. Hearty laughter shook the big house at His Majesty’s Theatre evening, when the new bill vas again presented to a delighted audience. Don Wallace, a newcomer we hope to see more of, met a cordial reception as "The Sentimental Tramp/’ while Nat Hanley proved a host in himself. As comedian, dancer, entertainer at the piano, and trick pianoplayer, his popularity grows apace. Pinto provides some extraordinary contortionist feats, and seems, to have no more bones than an eel. Baron and his pal dummy "Nobbier,” are as brimful of humour as ever, and Maggie Foster, the talented girl violiniste, shows remarkable mastery of her instrument; bowing, purity of tone and fingering leave little to be desired. The original songs and stories of Maud, Courteney and Mr "C” are mirthprovoking, and Fifi and Eddie de Tisne are still a delight. Also to be seen and heard are Carlton and Roslyn in comedy, sketch, song and dance, Donald Stuart in conjuring tricks, and the Gibbon Duo as eccentric dancers and comedians. This evening a number of new„#turns will be included, some of the performers being late owing- to the delay of tffb Sydney boat. MARIE NILSSON. FAMOUS SCOTTISH SOPRANO. An important musical event will be the appearance *here on Tuesday, July 19th, of the famous Scottish soprano. Miss Marie Nilsson. ‘This artist has won golden laurels in opera and concert halls in London, and though young, is one of the accepted of song. Her virtuosity is said td be remarkable, and in operatic numbers lending themselves to her dramatic method . and almost colossally big voice, she is said to bo magnificent. Amongst the big numbers with which she recently delighted Christchurch: and Dunedin audiences, were the famous polonaise from "Mignon” and the "Jewel Song” from "Faust/’ Miss Nilsson also promise® a fine series Hebridean songs of quaint character. It is in these North Britain folk songs that her charm is most potently exerted. "A TEMPERAMENTAL WIFE.” AT THE KING’S THEATRE.. Who could ask more than Connie Talmadge in such a role as that of Billie Billings, "The Temperamental Wife, for an entertainment? Large and appreciative audiences at the Kings Theatre continue to stress the fact of Connie’s unfailing popularity. A comedienne born, the part of the born flirt is natural to her, and when as Billie she selects for her matrimonial desigfis the great Senator Wyndham Standing, the audience gives its delighted approval. All in vain does the pod* man try to escape, all* in vain does Smith, his secretary, call of work to be done on the long-distance wire—Connie snares him. And then, when after the honeymoon Smith is found to be a woman, Connie’s temperament is too much for her. And when hubby doesn’t come home because Smith's grandmother is decides to elope. She had read that grandmother joke before in the. funny papers. Selecting a count for her purposes, she actually does elope, only to be followed by hubby and the family doctor. Complications pile up so quickly that the spectator is left gasping, but eventually, as the secretary turns out to be the proud owner of a husband and twins, everyone is happy once more. In support, Larry Semon, ‘in "The Sportsman,” is the cause of much broken pottery and more merriment, and Signor G. Martinengo Is heard in the "Toreador” song from "Carmen,” and selected ’cello numbers. The King’s Grand Orchestra also renders the "Entry of the Boyards” (Halvorsen). the Impress. * VTHE STILL~ALARM.” Those who delight in thrills, and judging by the houses at the Empress Theatre yesterday, they are many, will find in "The Still Alarm/' the big feature now soreening there, a dish to their taste. The story is a gripping one, but has its humorous side. Thomas Santschi is in the role of Jack Manley, the. dashing ypung fireman, and his performance ig worthy of his name. Jack is shown as being in love with Eleanor Fordham, whose father ownft a drug store. Employed at the store is Bird, who a customer and escapes with his money. This does no£ last him long, and

turns, seeking, by threatening to accuse Fordham of the crime, to force Eleanor to ma'rry him. Bird’s plans go wrong.' however, and fearing exposure by Eleanor he determine® that she must He cuts the wire of the fire alarm, and sets lire to her home. Jack is unaware of the danger which hangs oyer his sweetheart’s head until, he receives the "Still Alarm,” which gives the signal to the fire brigade for a wild race for life. Jack is frenzied at the girl’s danger and dashes into the burning building. The floor collapses beneath them, but he carries the girl to safety, and happiness is restored as the result of the timely warning of the "Still Alarm/' In support is episode eight of /The Silent Avenger,” and the latest topical news. f VOCAL RECITAL. MR REGINALD G. BLOW. ( A most enjoyable vocal recital was given at the Town Hall concert chamber last evening by Mr Reginald G. Blow, assisted by his x>upils and Mr Horace Hunt (solo pianist). There was a liberal attendance and the utmost appreciation w.4S shown by an enthusiastic audience. Mr Blow gave the bracketed numbers (a) "A Heavy Tear,”. "None but a Lonely Heart/’ and '‘Don Vu.an’s Serenade” (Tschadkowsky), which were sung with thoroughly artistic bteatment. A double encore was accorded Mr Blow for his singing of the aria "Bri tu che macchriavi quell ’anima” ("Un Ballo in Masohera”), (Verdi). A most commendable interpretation was- given bv Mr Blow of the prologue ("I’PagUacci”) (Leoncavallo). Miss PhylJis Massey was recalled three fames for "Stofhlv rnv Heart” ("Samson and Delilah”), (:>aint-Caens), as •wus also Miss. M. Babon for her offering, "Care Selve” ‘ ("Atalanta”), (Handel). Mr Alastair Campbell sang in excellent voice and with careful expression "Hybrias, the Cretan” (J. W. Elliott). Mr Horace .Hunt performed the piano solo (a) •'Prelude,” and (b) "Study” (Chopin) with brilliant musicianly skill, but they were even excelled by his "Scherzo" (Chopin), which was greeted with prolonged applauige. Mrs S. Hemp ton’s sweet vocal notes were pleasingly heard, in "Carmen a” {H. Lahe Wilson).' "Bois Elpais” —an air from "Tmadas” (arranged by A.L.) proved a pleasurable vocalisation by Mr J. A. Stevenson. The achievements of Mr Blow’s pupils reflected the utmost credit nipon both teacher and student, and from an artistic standpoint the concerts have been everything that could be desired. The lady contributors last evening each received beautiful floral tributes. "OH. BOY!” CARE-KILLER AT EVERYBODY'S Prohibition, a secret marriage, and a pair of silk pyjamas, play their parts in the breezy feature ".On, Boy!” in which such old ‘friends as June Caprice, Zeena Keefe, and Creighton Hale appear before delighted audiences. A 6ecret marriage between Georgie and the daughter of a prohibitionist judge, a missed train, high jinks at a college cabaret, in which the ballet girls of "Oh, Boy!” take part, while the judge learnstaste of a cocktail, and a damsel dp. distress pursued by a detective, set the stage in Georgia’s flat for all the merriment that follows. As the damsel thoughtlessly tries on GeorgieV wife’s underwear, and as, to pacify the policeman, he has to pass her off as his wife and then speiid the night on the doorstep in a thunderstorm, Georgie's nerves are rather jangled. But when there arrive at the flat in rapid succession his maiden aunt, who threatens to cut him .off if he marries without her consent, xhe Judge, his mother-in-law and his bride of a day, he is left prostrated. HoweveT, explanations are made and everyone is satisfied, including the audience. The supports comprise laughable Larry Semon in "The Sportsman,” a s cenic "A Chester Outing.” and the latest budget of pictorial news from, the Path© studio. QUEEN’S THEATRE. "TORN SAILS.” The feature at the Queen’s Theatre this week unfolds a great Welsh drama full of the atmosphere, customs and legends of the southern coast. Milton Rosmer is the young man who goes through fire and water for the sake of his sweetheart, Mary Odette. Written Jsy the famous suitbmt AUen Mlc,

self of Wales, the picture version of the story taken on the very spots of which she wrote has been delighting the appreciative audiences at/the theatre this week. The lives ofnhe simple villagers are depicted with tenderness a grim power which go towards making "Toa Bails” the remarkable film it is. In "The Cheater/’ the Metro production which is in support. May Allison takes the lead. The story shows the activities of a eleven trio of Hindu fakirs. May Allison takes the role of a girl .. who, through the influence of her associates, sees only the wrong side of life. Written by Henry Arthur Jones, famous as the author of "The Liars” and “The Silver King,” this play was described as one of the sensations of the year, presenting May Allison in an intensely dramatic role. *