ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10964, 28 July 1921, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

"C*HU CHIN CHOW.” — 1 I TED GLAMOUR OF THE ORIENT. SPECTACULAR STAGE DISPLAY. To the majority of those who witnessed the r ecor d-brea king spectacular play "Chu Chin Chow" *at His Majesty*© Theatre in* London, it might' well seem impossible that justice could be done to the gorgeous mounting in all its detail of such an immense production on the local stage. Many people have been heard to remark that to renew acquaintance with Oscar A echo’s masterpiece as now presented by the J. C. Williamson enterprises to New Zealand audiences •would be to court disappointment. That such predictions are quite unrealised has been proven to numbers of people during the past two days since "Chu Chin ’Chow” opened at the. Grand Opera House. In its redord reign. in London of over five years, Mr Oscar Asche had ample opportunity to study those points in the original which might be elaborated upon., and there were consequently many big changes in scenic effects and costuming during the lengthy run of years. It is the extravaganza as it was last seen in London that is now being witnessed in Wellington, and it is produced with a faithfulness and the details of the original that impresses one with the great pains to which the company has been to recast this stuoendous example of stage©raft. The'lavish dressing and staging are a complete replica of what was seen in England, and the effect of the larger scenes is heightened by the greater stage space afforded; at His Majesty’s Theatre, the complete scenes were laid out upon a turntable which revolved round a central pivot, and the depth of the stage was thus limited to the distance from the footlights of the axle. "Chu Chin Chow” was conceived by its author from the oft-told tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieve®, which has boon clothed in song and incident amidst such - gorgeous settings that it iis really a huge kaleidoscope of swiftly passing scene®. The most impressive are the introductory interior hall of Kasim Baba’s Palace; the memorable slave market scene, with the ragged little street urchins grovelling in the dust and raising those strange cries which are peculiar only to the Orient; the mean street; the oasis, with the gorgeous bacikground of the .bioodred setting sun; the Kasim’s colonnaded harem; the robbers’ cave, scintillating witjj precious gems; and the bazaar. The case is one of the best procurable in Australasia, and several of the leading performers have been imported from abroad. Mr Arthur SS-tyan appear© in the title role, and is well suited to the part. As Ali Baba, Mr Charles Workman plays the merry old Teprobate to perfection. Miss Helen Temple ie quite convincing in the leading role of Zahrat. The vocal numbers generally were capably rendered, particularly those of Miss Ida Griffin, as Marjanah; Miss Pearl Ladd, as Alcoiom; Mr Paul Plunkett, as Ali Baba’s son; and Mr Frederick Maokay. Other successful vocalists are Messrs George Graystone, Frank Wignall, ‘Sydney BurchelL Sidney Haynes. Other leading characters were admirably sustained by Mr G- K. Stouper, and Masses Eily Malyon, Maggie Moore, and Bertha Miller. Special mention must be made of the splendid incidental music, to which many of, the scenes owe much of their richness; the orchestra is a capable band of about thirty musicians under the direction of Mr Ernest Roberts. "<Gbu Chin Chow” will be produced nightly all this week, and will also run during next week. EVERYBODY’S. "MADONNAS AND MAN.” The final screening of Alice Joyce in "The Vice of Fools,” which has been thoroughly appreciated by picture patrons during* the last week, takes place to-night. The new programme to-mor-row will introduce"madonnas and Man,” described as a picture of fine sentiment and charm, with a fascinating compound of moral appeal. The story tells in the Roman Coloseum at the beginning of the Christian, era the EcmperOr Turnurius, with his favourite, Nerissa, watches the bestial games in arena. His son, Gordon, is? asked by Grimaldo, I magician, to save the life of a Christian girl about to be thrown to the lions. He refuses, Grimaldo then prophesies the fate of the Empire. He tells the prince a story of the future. The scenes are laid in New York, 2000 years in advance. The Roman characters are reincarnated and travel through intensely dramatic situations. The prince is deeply affected and intervenes as requested. There is an allstar cast featured in the play. THE EMPRESS. "THE WHITE DOVE/’ “The White Dove/’ the principal picture now being shown at the Empress Theatre, is described as an appealing story. It is the tale of a man whose ideal of a white dove is shattered ty rather tragic discoveries. He is intent on. preventing his ward from marrying a man whom he regards as a rascal, and he goes the length of getting the man arrested when the young couple are trying to elope. Bit by bit it is revealed to the idealist that his father, his mother, his wife, all were guilty. He breaks down, and from then on regards affairs in a more human light. The supporting pictures are-"AH In a Day” (comedy), and "The Silent Avenger” (serial). C.T. MALE CHOIR. SECOND CONCERT ON SATURDAY. On Saturday evening that popular combination, the Commercial Travellers Male Voice Choir, will give its second concert of the season in the Concert Chamber. The choir has a singing membership of over sixty, and has been carefully trained in an entirely new programme, which includes Julius Harrisoms stirring "Viking Song/ which is being rendered for the first time in Wellington. Other items are a delightful "Irish Folk Song,” by Sir Gilbert Parker, and a new setting of the ever-popular 'Allan Water.” Miss Mabelle Esquillant, contralto, is appearing in conjunction with the choir, and other soloists axe Chas. A. Williams, (tenor), Peter Connell, and W. J. Robbins (bassos), and the Melody Four, who are also submitting new quartettes, etc. The choir is under the leadership of Mr H. Temple White, and Mr Matt Dixon is the accompanist. The * box plan is open at the Bristol.. GAUL’S "HOLY CITY.” COMBINED CHOotTaT ISLAND BAY. Another great performance of this work was given last night by the Anglican choirs of Brooklyn and Island Bay, under he conductorsh.ip of Mr C. E. Proctor. Great praise is due to the work of the soloists, Mrs W. E. Clarke, Mrs W. Coventry, Mr E. W. Lewis, and Mr F. Laycock, Whose efforts were, greeted with stirring applause. The fine choruses were rendered in excellent style. Mr J. Allan was at the piano, and was supported by a small but efficient orchestra. The whole performance reflected credit on the promoters, and will long be remembered by all who heard it. SKATING. THE< COLOsjjHJM RINK: There was a crowded attendance at the Colossexim Skating Rink. Vivian street, last evening. The weather was favourable for the fullest enjoyment of skating, and those who could danc© on skates found added pleasure in that diversion to the accompaniment of the orchestral numbers. The day sessions also received id full measure of patronage. There will be four sessions again to-day.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. A DIVERSIFIED PROGRAMME. A. (particularly brig-lit and diversified programme i® being* presented nightly at Hi* Majesty'® Theatre by Fullers' Vaudeville Company. Tiie Walter Johnson Revue Company appears in a most picturesque and delightfully-staged musical comedy, "The Burglar*," which includes four alluring scenes in beautiful Honolulu. The ballet® are a special feature of the production. The vaudeville portion of the bill embraces contributions by Mr Doans London, Miss Maggie Foe-w ter Mr Don Wallace ("The Singing* Vagabond'*;, Carlton and Roslyn UStiglisA comedy duo), and Baron (ventrUoqu;«t). The company will appear again this evening. On Monday Mies Laura Guerite, the famous London revue ''star,'* will make her first appearance. THE KINGS. "WHAT WOMEN* LOVE." The current programme, headed by the Mary Pickford "feature" fiiilm. ''Heart o' the Hills," be screened for the last time this evening. To-morrow ' evening the comedy-drama extraordinary, "What Women Love," with the famous swimming actress, Annette Keller man, in the leading role, will be introduced with the new programme. This is described as a breezy, frolicsome picture proyidr ing two hours of hilarious happenings. Miss Kellerman’* name 'has long been before the public as a picture "star" whose diving feaj£ are quite sensational. There are many enticing ifreach scenes, pretty igijfe, a tumultuous courtship, a great aeroplane adventure, and thrilling scones in the air and under the sea. One of the most spectacular dives accomplished in the play by Miss Kellerman is from the mast of a yacht, a drop of a hundred and fifty teet to the water. Mies Kellerman is supported bv Mr Wheeler Oakman, Mr Walter Long, Mir' Carl Oilman, Mr Ralph Lewis, and Mr Bull Montana. DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME. AT QUEEN’S TO-MORROW. "Shore Acres,** the • Metro picturisation of James Heme's celebrated stage drama of New England folk, in which Alice Lake is starred, is announced as the feature attraction at the Queen's Theatre commencing to-morrow. The screen production of the famous Heme comedy drama is a faithful exposition of the immortal stage play and constitutes in its tremendous dramatic power and delicious rural characterisations a notable achievement. In the picture many scenes are laid on the coast of Maine, Where the two brothers; Martin and Nathaniel Berry* are the keepers of a lighthouse. It is in this lighthouse that the famous dramatic struggle between the two brothers takes place, when the ship bearing the daughter of Martin away with her lover is leaving the harbour. The other star picture .Paramount-Artcraft’e "Young Mrs Winthrop," featuring beautiful and popular Clayton, is a fascinating dramatic gice of real life that will appeal to all. Taken froiru the stage play by Bronson Howard, the drama unfolds the story of a domestic tragedy growing out of the baneful influence of a city's rushing, inconsiderate activity on the lives of a happily started couple. Ethel Clayton, in the title role, plays a part abounding in emotional opportunity, while revelling in a lavish wardrobe and capably displaying it. Harrison Ford a splendid supporting cast. REV. ARCHIBALD E. HUNT. DRAMATIC RECITAL CONCERT. To-night, in the Concert Chamber, the Rev. A. E. Hunt will give a dramatic. recital, including excerpts from Robert W. Service, Carter Platts, W. E. Henley, Jay Hickory Wood, and Will Carleton. Mr Hunt will be supported by Miss Ava Symons (violinist), who will play the "Introduction to Rondo Capriocioso" and "Savourneen Deelishi" Mrs J. F. Woodward will sing "Invitation Waltz," Mr Herbert F. Wood will sing "Lolita," the Harmonic Quartette ' will contribute "Reveries.” Mr Harold Whittle will preside at the piano. The entire proceeds will be devoted to Hie Women's National Reserve Residential Nursery Fund. The box plan is open at the Bristol. The entertainment will commence at 8 p,m. ALEXANDER WATSON RECITALS. A 'CELEBRATED ARTIST. "The in comparable Alexander Watecm" was the way a critic wrote after he had heard this celebrated artist for the first time some weans back. And he as "incomparable' 5 from many points of view*. Few artists have come to this side of the world with such a variety of interesting programmes, few artiste have been able to recite to an audience for more two hours on end and make that .time seem as many minutes. When it is taken into consideration that the average exponent of Shakespeare has to help him all the modern stage accessories it will be seen just how "incomparable" is this man who obtains even greater effects without anything to help His art. During his coming season. —it begins at the concert chamber, the Town Hall, on Saturday, August Bth—Mr Watson will give from the works of Dickens, Shaken peare, Barrie, Kipling, and various of the modern poets. The box plan wall be opened on Tuesday morning, August 2nd, at the Bristol. SCOTTISH FAIR. successful" bazaar. The Scottish -Fair and Clan Gathering, in aid of the Wellington, Caledonian Society, saw its fourth session at the Town Hall last night, when there was a continuance of the support that has been accorded it since the opening. A pleasant supplement to the interest created by the various stalls and competitions was a vocal and instrumental programme. The Waterside Workers* Band playing • ©elections. The following items were rendered;—Selection. "Scottish Fantasia," Caledonian Orchestra; display, Highland Fling, fifteen Highland lassies; tarantella. Miss Jean McKenzie and Mr Rnowsley; die. play, "Gillie Callum," six Highland lassies; Russian dance. Miss Thelma McKenzie; valse joyeuse. Miss Phoebe Tait; Reel o' Tullooh, Misses J. McKenzie, T. Sutherland, Messrs R. Haddow, Alex. /Sutherland; overture, rr Poefc and Peasant," Caledonian Orchestra; skip-ping-rope dance, Misses Thelma McKenzie and Phyllis McMillan * toe dance, Miss Zclma Carroll: selection, "The Eccentric Scotchman," Alex. Sutherland.