ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11254, 5 July 1922, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

‘MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS” BRILLIANT MUSICAL COMEDY. AT -GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Tho reputation, which had preceded this comic opera, the world! over, was some criterion 4hat in “The Maid of tho Mountains'* the evolution of musical comedy had reached its highest development. Until this spectacular production was actually staged 'here, howover, no person who had not already seen, it elsewhere could have had any conception of what a triumph it is in vocal, scenic and histrionic art. The breaker of many records in Europe, in America, and in Australia, it is nearly five years ago since “The Maid of the Mountains*’ was firet tried out before the public at t'he Prince’s Theatre, Manchester, as a preliminary to its Btaging at Daly’s Theatre, London. On that occasion the two principal vocal roles were played by Miss Jose Collins and Mr Thorpe Bates, in their impersonation of Teresa and Beppo respectively. These parts are now taken by Miss Gladys Moncrieff and Mr Robert Chisholm; and it is claimed for these two artistes that their characterisations compare much more than favourably with the London originals in the parts. Nothing quite like this opera has ever before been seen in the way of musical comedy. Its staging ie so absolutely superb that it must be classed! oa ono of the greatest achievements of that master of spectacular art—Mr Oscar Asdhe—whose very name, in connection with any theatrical prodxiction, is ample guarantee of superlative excellence. Tho story deals with the kidnapping ol a .girl, the mascotte and guardian angel, so to speak, of a band of -brigands, whose stronghold in the fastnesses of the mourttains was, apparently,, inaccessible and invincible. Tiie capture, as a set-off, by the bandits of the new Governor, and the impersonation of that official and hig immediate satellites by Baldasarre, the robber chief, and his bold comrades, carry along with them, in the current of the story, the elements of passion, of jealousy, of love and of revenge. The plot is strong, logical and clean, and works out to its development of happiness and romance in a manner which reflects considerable credit upon the author of the libretto. Gladys Moncrieff, in the title-role, makes an ideal 'heroine. Her histrionic talents are Well and ably displayed in her portrayal of tenderness, defiance, treachery and remorse. Added to her convincing acting is a most glorious voice, and she presents to her audience a personality of the most /magnetic and striking type. Her vocal interpretations in “My Life is Love,” “Farewell” and “Love Will Find a Way” make the songs the finest gems of opera, while a perfect blond in duet is given by her rendering, along with Mr Robert Chisholm, of “A Paradise For Two.” Mr Anew McMaeter, as sarre, makes an ideal 'brigand chief. Messrs Arthur Stigant, Leslie Holland and Phil Smith create considerable humour in their parts as General Malona, Crumpet and Tonio respectively. Miss Mione Stewart (a« Tonio’s widow) and Miss Nellie Payne (as the Governor’s daughter) were distinctly pleasing and dainty. The dancing or Misses Jessie Sherwood and Hazel Meldrum is a pretty and notable feature of the play; while it would not be fair to complete this review without some praise to the excellent orchestra accompanying the opera. Under the baton of Mr Harry Burton, the performance by this very higli-olass instrumental aggregation lends much to tho delightful evening, in the perfect manner in which the beautiful, catchy airs are played. As the season for this delicious little musical comedy will he necessarily a short one, those who have not already seen it should take no risks, but should book seats without delay. The theatre is packed nightly, and must continue to be packed so long as this superbly-stag-ed musical gem is with us. The box plans up t-o and including Wednesday will he on view at the Bristol from 9 a.m. to-day; and the plans for “Katiuika” will bo open on Monday next.

HIS MAJESTY’S AN ATTRACTIVE BIEL. This -week’s programme at His Majesty’s Theatre by Fuller’s Vaudeville Coippany is of a particularly attractive character. Among the chief contributors are Toms and Roma (vaudeville entertainers), Mdlle. Dolinda (trapeze perMr Will J. Saunders (in “camouflage chalk talks”). Miss Etta Field (the gifted young New Zealand songstress), and Victor the Great and Co. (in a capital veatTiloquial act). The programme will be repeated this evening. A CHARMING PLAY SIR ARTHUR PBARSON-S MEMORIAL FUND. All those who are desirous of osabftinff a most worthy cauee should bear in mind that on Wednesday next, Mr A. Stanley Warwick will produce a most charming jday at the Town Hall concert chamber, m aid of the Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund. Jerome K. Jerome’s delightful comedy. “Sunset,” will bo performed by a well-chosen cast, and this \%ill be preceded by a moat dramatic little sketch, "The Bishop’s Candlesticks.” in which Mr Warwick will repeat his portrayal of the role of Jean Valjean. Tho cast will comprise Mrs Ruby Walsh, Leah Hyman, Zena Freeman. Lilian Grey. Rosalind Atkinson, and Messrs A. Greening. E. Ryder, Vernon Oewin, Phipps Williams, and A. Stanley Warwick. A new set of scenery will be used on this occasion. The secretarial work i« in the capable hands of Mr R. W. ShaUcrasa. and a strong ladies’ committee ha® been convened by Mrs (Colonel) Pow. It is hoped that all those interested will eecure their eeats at the Britsol Piano Contfpany, and thus help in making this function a success. ROLLER SKATING THE COLOSSEUM RINK. Ribller skating afforded enjoyment for a large number of patrons at each session veeterday at the Colosseum Rink, Vivian street. An excellent programme was contributed by the band in the evening, including two-steps and waltzes. A nooular feature is the learners* session from 5.90 p.m. tilt 7 p.m. Tho rink will be open to-day, as usual, for four sessions.