ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11306, 4 September 1922, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE WELLINGTON’S FAREWELL TO “THE BOY.” After a most successful run, the J. O. Williamson, Ltd., Royal Comic Oper/i Company has closed its season in Wellington. Replete with plenty of subtle, haunting melody; with lots of clevef nonsense; with dainty and brilliant ballets; with resplendent scenery and with many striking situations, the performances of “The Boy” have been staged before filled houses night after night, the highclass nature of the production, its expensive scenic Bettings and beautiful costumes rendering it an attraction to be seen again and again, each time with a fresh eenso of enjoyment. In class and quality, “The Boy” compared quite advantageously -with any musical comedy staged here by the J. 0. Williamson management, and when one has said that, one has spoken the last word of praise as regards the popular appeal which such musical plays may possess. Mr Lance Lister, in the title role, was exceedingly convincing and clever; and one easily understood why, from the inception of the play in London, this brilliant actor was retained during the whole of its long, historic rjin in that city. The delightful acting and magnetic personality of Miss Mione Stewart contributed magnificently toward% making the play the wonderful success it undoubtedly was. Always dainty and sweet, Miss Stewart bids fair to climb to great heights in her chosen profession of musical comedy. In Miss Rosie Le Varde one sensed a delightful personality; and, during her performances in Wellington, she has certainly installed herself very firmly in the affections of her audiences. As- Mr Meebles, there was, of courso, any amount of opening given to Arthur Stigant to prove himself a prince among Australasian comedians. In his subtle blending of legal pomposity and individual humour, his interpretation of the magisterial role was screamingly ridiculous and successful. Miss Shiela Gale’s sweet soprano voice, with its power and fine range, was well above the average, (and contributed its quota to a splendid aggregation of talent: while, as' Joy Ohatterton, ■ Miss Nellie, Payne was very enjoyable and pleasing. The oouirt scene was a fine example of a situation, strong in interest and necessitating' acting of a convincing and earnest type; and here Anew McMaster was seen to considerable advantage, with such a powerful cast as Leslie Holland,. Fred Cbape, JBDanry Ratcliffe, Edmund Sherras, Bert Nicholson and John Ford. The Misses Olive Sweden, Vida Edwards rand Dojly Massey (gave fine exemplifications of their various roles; while, in her virile, yet .dainty dancing displays, Miss Jessie Sherwood presented one of the winning features of “The Boy’s” success, and she oer--tainly achieved an combination of artistry and acrobatic daring. She was ably assisted by Mr Alex McPherson; and Miss Meldmm gave excellent displays of, toe dancing. The company appear at Palmerston North this evening. HIS MAJESTY’S TO-NIGHT’S BIG PROGRAMME. i. : bright and entertaining programme ia what is premised, m the weekly, change to be presented lw the Fuller management at His a this evening. Amongst the newcomers are two acts recently imported from England with' reputations much above the ordinary in their own particular sphere. Or these, Hirste and Venton are .English burlesque artists of exceptional calibre. Their first presentation is to be a farcical comedy entitled “A Boardinghouse Episode, _ which was written by Mr Hirste and played by him and Miss Venton throughout the British Isles. * These clever artists received the hall mark of Australian audiences at {Sydney, where they appeared with great success just prior to coming to New Zealand. Other first appearances are Les Videos, a trio of fcriok and fancy skaters with vast English and Continental experience. A. feature of their act is a daring spin on a table-top, which is said to provide a stirring climax jto a most, sensational performance. Pastor ana Merle have already become favourites with their “fidgety' fiddler,” aided and abetted by dainty Madge Merle. The hand-balancing and somersaulting of the thrqe Jacksons is a performance to be wondered at. With swiftness of movement and clockwork precision the juvenile member of the trio turns all kinds of graceful somersaults in midair without a slip or miss of any kind. Carlton and Rosslyn (comedy d!uo). Eddy Martyn (danoer),< Linden and Borridge (singers at the piano), and Delavale andTVpckler (laughter merchants), axe all scheduled for entirely new programmes. Their many admirers will learn with pleasure that the Molinaris’ season at His Majesty’s has been extended for a few more nights. A well chosen programme of popular and classical numbers will include “Land of Dreams” (Thompson), “Che

Gelids Manilla” (La Boheme), “The Rosary” (Nevin), and “Qual archio al Mondo” (Tosca). Vaudevillo patrons should have a treat in store m this week’s bill at His Majesty’s. organ'recital BY MR BERNARD F. PAGE. Owing to the fact that the Town Hal! was engaged for another purpose last night, yesterday’s recital by the city organist (Mr Bernard F. Page) was given in.the afternoon in the presenoe of a numerous attendance. The request item for the occasion was Debussy’s “Andante” from String Quartette, in whioh Mr Page displayed a degree ol technique arid artistry that gave extreme pleasure to the virtuosi present, and fully demonstrated Ids wonderful command ot the instrument. Another striking item was a Fuge on the name of Bach by Schumann—a masterpiece beautifully played bv a musician of the highest rank. The recital was altogether enjoyable. MY BOY” AT THU KING’S THEATRE. "My Boy," a fine film starring Jackie Com;an. and showing the escapad.es of a soldier s orphan child, is the big feature at the King’s Theatro this week. In rears to Come" there is presented a comedy picture forecasting the future, when man will be the domestic slave and woman the stern provider of the daily bread and butter. "Tho Silver Harvest” is an educational film of a very interesting industry, dealing with the catching and treatment of sardines and dispatched to foreign markets. “Snooky’e Fresh Heir” is one of the most interesting and entertaining animal pictures we have over been lucky enough to see. Also there are the tmual topical. Reviews .and Gazettes. The King’s gran orchestra is Under tho baton of Mr L. D. Austin. The programme will be reoeated nightly until Friday next. “THE THReTmUSKETEERS” DUMAS’S CLASSIC AT'EVERYBGDYSS. Douglas Fairbanks as IPArtagnan, the hero of Dumas's novel, "The Three Musketeers,” continues to add to his popularity at Everybody’s Theatre. Doug, performs all tho necessary feats in good stylo from fighting a dozen duels to rescuing the jewels of the Queen of France and saving her from the intrigues of Cardinal Richelieu. "The Three Musketeers" is only another name for romance and no picture-goers should miss it. The story of the bold Gascon, who makes his fortune with his sword, his .love affairs and the net of intrigue in which he becomes involved, all make a fine and thrilling production. QUEEN’S THEATRE DOUBLE FEATURE BILL. Frank Mayo in "The Blazing Trail” provides excitement enough for anyone at the Queen’s Theatre this week. It is a gtory of the hills, with a double romance to keep the audience agog and rescues, fights for life, and bare-knuckle contests enough for anybody. Marie Prevost, the winsome little one-time bathing girl, is the star in "The Dangerous Little Demon," the second feature on tl\e hill. It tells the story of a millionaire’s daughter and her lovesick swains. The final chapters of “Winners of the West," a travel film, and the latest topical films complete an excellent programme. STRAND THEATRE ANOTHER FINE PROGRAMME. A fine programme is that to be seen at the Strand Theatre ’this week. James D. Curwood’B stirring drama, “Flower of the North" features popular Henry B. Walthall in a thrilling story of the Canadian Northlands, and depicts some exciting incidents before reaching a fitting conclusion. A • charming nlm, "The Jack-Knife Man,” is a second feature of this fine bill. There is much humour and character-drawing in this •film of a man who broke into a county gaol. A third feature is the everdelight£nl Charlie Chaplin. King of Comedians, in a two-part burlesque on what happened through an . accidental exchange of coats, entitled "The Henpecked Spouse." Mabel Normand supports 'him in some screamingly funny farce. STRASBURG CLOCK A WONDERFUL MODEL. No greater treat could be imagined than a visit to the exhibition of the wonderful model of the Strasburg clock;' now in its second week, in Gordon and Gotch’s old premises, Lower Cuba street, opposite the-Town Hall. The great' educational value of the model alone should make this one of the. most popular exhibitions that has ever visited Wellington, and the present season promises to break all previous New Zealand records. A description of all the workings- of the clock would take a whole coumn.: The main features are the wonderful procession of the Twelve* Apostles, the appearance of Christ, the visitations of Satan, -and the appearance of the-grim-figure of death; also various scientific and' astronomical dials, all of which are 'explained each quarter of an hour. Arrangements can be made for the reception of classes of school children at afternoon sessions by letter. Adults, Is; children under fourteen years of age 6d.