ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11412, 8 January 1923, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

MISS ROSINA BUCKMAN THE FAREWELL CONCERT. THE SINGERS OVATE®. The final concert given by Miss Rosina Buokman, in the Wellington Town Hall, on Saturday, was a popular one in more senses than one. Enough requests had been received by Miss Buckman to complete at least three programmes. The members of tlie audienoe were most enthusiastic in their demands, and New Zealand’s own songstress gave of her very best with great liberality. The concert was a tribute to a singer of whom New Zealanders have every reason to be proud, and more than that, was a tribute to the personal popularity of Miss Buokman, who was more than generous in her treatment of a particularly lesponsive audience. At the concert’s close, Miss Buokman, Mr Maurice ®’Oisly, Miss Adelina Leon, and Mr Percy Kahn (the composerpianist, whose accompaniments have been so much appreciated), repeatedly appeared on the platform to, bow acknowledgments. The prima donna received many beautiful floral tributes, including a large wreath of laurels. Miss Leon was also the recipient of several beautiful bouquet® in recognition of her art. Miss Budkman’s opening number was the glorious aria “One Fine Day,” from Puccini’s “Butterfly,” a role that justly made the singer famous abroad, and one that will always he’ associated: with the name of Rosina Buckman. In her oWn inimitable manner she gave Musetta’s song from “La Boheme,” an item that has been particularly popular during the singer’s present visit to Wellington. In response to the insistent demands of her audience, Miss Buokman, with ’cello and organ, obligato, contributed Mr Kahn’s “Avo Maria,” one of the greatest successes of a most successful evening. Other items were her favourite ‘ ‘Cuekoo’ ’ song, “The Lass with the Delicate. Air” (Arne), two songs by Montague Phillips, “Butterfly Wings” and “Sing, Joyous Bird,” the ever popular “Waiaata Poi,” also Tosti’s “Good-Bye,” and finally “Home, Sweet Home,” in which the singer put her whole, heart, singing with rare delicacy and charm .S With Mr D’Oisly she sang the duet from the finale of the first act of “Madame Butterfly,” followed by the “Cavalier ia Rustioana” duet, which gave Miss Buokman full scope for displaying her exquisite artistry, also the “Miserere’’ from “Trovatore,” another admirable piece of work, in whioh D’Oisly gave splendid support. The audience were loath to depart, and finally 'in response to continued applause / the singers contributed ‘‘The Keys of Heaven.” Mr Maurice IMOisly was also in excellent voice, and with generous liberality sang solo'after solo. The first number was Coleridge Taylor’s “Eleanor©,” which gave the tenor ample scope. Tliis was followed by “The Blind Ploughman,” in which he was aocompanied by Mr Bernard Page at the organ, and one of his exquisite chansons. Mr IVOisly also sang the popular “Dolorosa” and “Sombrero,” “Casey, the Fiddler,” .by Haydn Wood, the delightful “Petronelle,” also “I Know a Lovely Garden,” in which the tenor accompanied himself. Another delightful item was Mr Kahn’s “The Hour.”- , . ' . Further evidence of the skill of Miss Leon, with her ’cello, was given in her opening numbers, (a) an “Air” by Bach, and: fb) Beethoven’s dainty “Minuet,” always a popular concert number. Her encore item was Rim-sky-Korsakoff’s “Hindoo Song,” Popper’s “Spinning Wheel,” an arrangement by W. H. Squire of “Drink To Me Only,” and a quaint little country dance by the same composer, were among other successes. Miss Leon’s concluding numbers were Popper’s “Rhapsody,” and the isiomewhat negligible “Silver Threads Among the Gold.” Although Miss Leon also bowed to popular favour, her work was nevertheless admirably executed, and thoroughly appreciated by her many admirers. , . The concert was a delightful musical memory, and will he long remembered by the many Wellington admirers .of Miss Buckman and! her supporting artist®. Mr Kahn at the piano, and Mr Page at the organ, gave every assistance. 1 LEE WHITE IN “BRAN PIE” OPERA HOUSE NEXT SATURDAY. , ' Next Saturday night at the Grand Opera House. J. 0. Williamson, Ltd., will present for the first time m New Zealand, the two famous English revue artists, Miss Lee White and Mr Clay Smith, and a specially selected- company of English and Australian artists, in the latest London revue Success, “Bran Pie,” da which they have just completed phenomenal seasons in Sydney and Melbourne. This successful musical play is stated to be fresh brisk, piquant, varied, frolicsome, and it rattles alluringly along for three lively hours with never a dull moment. The whole production is said to he a whirl of humour and melody, and pretty girls, in delightful costumes, and quaint scenes and dainty, colours. It is described as a merry, musical frolic in 20 dips, or turns, each complete in itself, and in its detachment from every other item. Lee White, of course, is the dominating personality and the radiant light of a. remarkable cluster of entertainers. She is Said to -combine outstanding ability witbf a magnetic charm, which is reminiscent of such famed artists as Ada Reeve and Marie Lloyd, who know how to make- the most of any song. Miss White is fitted to (jive sufficient indication that although humour is her strong’: forte, she also has a fund of emotional talent. Supporting this artist is Mr Olay Smith, who has been associated with Miss White in all her successes during the past six years. This noted comedian is an English musician tnd song writer, who studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Royal Academy, and became so proficient that be is able to play several t different instruments. Mr Smith has' written and published most of Miss White’s songs in conjunction with Raymond Brown. Of lata ho has collaborated with R. P. Weston and Bert Lee. He is now preparing a few numbers, which the star will sing not only" in New Zealand, but in London when she returns. Other members of the company will include Ernest Sefton, Lucme Beck, Lance _ Lister, Rupert Julien, Olarioe Hardwick©, Zoo Wenke, Muriel Cathart, Maie Baird and Archie Thompson, and a host of other well-known artists, with a specially packed chorus ( and ballet from the firm's principal opera companies. The nieoe will be produced hv Mr Robert Greig, who was responsible for the production when it was originally produced in Australia two years ago. .The plans for t.ho first six nights will open at the Bristol next Thursday morning »*■ S> o’clock.

‘THE SILVER FOX” FINAL PERFORMANCE TO-NIGHT. Cosmo Hamilton’® humorous play, “The Silver Fox,’ ! has proved a housefiller- at the Grand Opera House, even in these hard times. vVith a bare minimum of characters an extraordinary amount of fun ie extracted from the situation of the popular novelist who did not love his wife and the trusted friend who did. It is the eternal triangle viewed from a new angle, and an immensely amusing angle, and the amount of character work in the play, despite one or two obvious weaknesses, is remarkable and delightful. Mr Lawrence Grossmitli plays the absentminded, note-taking novelist to perfection, and brings to the task a hundred little touches of tone, bearing and facial expression which make all the difference and speak of the artist. He is a most effective contrast to the blood and iron of the amateur Bismarck Stanley, played by Mr Ashton Jarry, in a powerful and highly individual manner, which showed him a man of high ideals and strength of purpose, but not a poet. As the first Mrs Quilter, Miss Diana Wilson is queenly, graceful and understanding; all that a poet’s, ideal should: he, and managed to establish that bond of sympathy with the audienoe of which all strong personalities seem to have the secret, bliss Doric© Kendall, first as a flapper cousin and latterly as the nineteen-year-old mistress of a household, is entirely charming. Her flapper is a work of art, never' stiff and self-conscious, sav e only as maidens of the chocolate age are so, winsome, a trifle awkward and so ingenuous. Her facial mobility is wonderful, and her voice and bearing are both the flapper to life, never moie a flapper than when she wears vivid clothes and her hair is up. Mr Paul Plunkett, however, is hardly one’s idea of a professional sady-killed. The “Silver Pox’,’ is ingenious, extremely wel- written, full of character, and most entertaining. He is fi. glutton who asks more of a comedy. No one should xniss seeing this most excellent play, the final performance of which will be given this evening. NORTH ISLAND TOUR. To-morrow night Mr Lawrence Gros-smith)-and the brilliant J. 0. Williamson, Ltd., supporting company, will commence a tour "of the North Island towns at the Opera House, Palmerston North, when playgoers of that. centre will have an opportunity of seeing the noted English cepnedian in the great London comedy success, “Captain Applejack.” The company will pay a return visit to Palmerston North on Friday next, January 12th, when “The Silver Fox” will be staged. Wanganui will be visited on Wednesday and Thursday next, when “Captain Applejack” and “The Silver Fox” will be presented. The compapy will play at Napier on Saturday and Mon-day-next, and Hastings on the following Tuesday and Wednesday evonings. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE TO-NIGHT’S GREAT PROGRAMME. A completely new and varied programme is advertised for the weekly change at His Majesty’s this evening. For those who prefer revue there is Walter George and his brilliant company of Sunshine Players. This excellent combination is now firmly established in public favour, and their new comedietta, “The Girl from UjS.A.,” which is being presented this evening for the first time should further en-hance,-their popularity. -The new piece is full of cheerful momenta, has elaborate scenery and settings, and the comedy throughout is said to be of the best, ably handled by the principal comedian of the company, Mr George Storey. A supporting vaudeville bill, which is said to be nnsuipassed for its all-round excellence, includes Russell .and Frost, a pair of brilliant dancers, Vith a vast Continental experience. Their numbers this evening will include a clever item entitled ‘‘How to Become a Dancer,” and their own original creation “The Parisian Pony Trot.” A newcomer in the person of Mr Pat Doonan will introduce a neat comedy offering, which contains much that is new and original. . Golda, the dainty little lady on the wire, remains on the bill, along with Dolores, whoso aerial gymnastio act has created an impression here. A new comedy playlet will be presented by Mr and Mrs Kennedy Allen, whose work is greatly appreciated by His > Majesty’s audiences. A juggling performance of more than ordinary merit is that supplied by The Brackens, who have been very successful during the past week. The new bill for this evening is a particularly strong one, which should draw orowdea houses throughout the week. KING’S THEATRE BIG GRIFFITH PRODUCTION. Produced over a year ago, and hailed l in every country as the masterpiece of the master-mind of D. W. Griffith, ‘Orphans of the Storm,” which is now at the King’s Theatre, is a remarkable production The film deals with the gre’at French revolution, and depicts most graphically and vividly and with great circumstance and power the story of the fall of the French monarchy, of the taking o fthe Bastille by the people of Paris, assisted by the mutinous Royal Guards, and of the rise of the first Republic. The magnificence, 1 splendour, and luxury of the Court of Louis XVI., are wonderfully portrayed ; the atmosphere of thp period he-, ing very skilfully caught, and the 1 dress, manners ,and customs meet faithfully followed. Contrasting strongly with the grandeur and luxuriance of the court, are the degradation, squalor and starvation of the underworld of Paris. “The Orphans” are Louise, the foundling daughter of a great countess, and Henrietta, the child’s foster-sister. The plague deprives the young aristocrat at once of her foster-parents and of her sight, but Henrietta lores and guards her as the apple of her eye. The story of the adventures with which these two orphans meet is as colourful as '“lntolerance,” as vivid and exciting as “The Birth of a Nation.” Dorothy and Lillian Gish, who featured in the other big (productions, appear in this film, and their acting , cannot -but add lustre to their name. Mr J. Culford Bell, attired in the : costume of the period, recites with great power and fine dramatic effect, a most appropriate prologue;'and beautiful incidental musjp ig excellently rendered by the King’s Grand Orchestra, under the able baton of Mr L. D. Austin. The supporting film is a Topical Budget of more than usual interest. The whole programme will be repeated throughout the week.

A MUSICAL FEAST

WESTMINSTER GLEE'SINGERS. To thoroughly appreciate a great portion of the music usually submitted at public performances one has to be in some sense a musician. How often do we hear “Oh, it’s too high class for meVaai “I wish they would “ sing soniething we could, understand,” but the management claim that the Westminster Glee Singers, who are to commence their Wellington season in the Town Hall on Saturday night next, fly not in the classical or “over the heads-” altitude, but remain down on earth and ting the solos, melodies, and part-songs that the average British audiences rejoice in. In these songs there is charm, daintiness, and tunefulness, and this triplicate iB made the most of by the ten cultured artists of the Westminster Glee Singers. Whether it he a stately madrigal, a frolicsome waltz, a grave anthem or a jovial sonnet, a melodious plantation song, or a tender "cradle croon, these distinguished singers disport themselves in some sacred echo from the great English cathedrals, and- the effect < f the wonderful combination of boys’ and men’s voices is captivating in the highest degree. To hear such singers as these is a veritable musical treat. Trained in that purest of all schools, the English Cathedral, their intonation and delicaoy is of the rarest order, and one soon realises the difference betwen them and the ordinary platform choralistiSi all the, many musical and theatrical enterprises associated with the name of Edward Branscom.be none has remained more in public remembrance than the Westminster Glee Singers, and it is safe to predict an unqualified success for the present combination during its present season. Hie box plans open at the Bristol on Wednesday next, when there should be a large demand. PRINCESS THEATRE “HER SILENT SACRIFICE.” Alice Brady, the beauteous Selznick star, achieves a triumph in her acting of the woman in “Her Silent Sacrifice,” which is now to he seen at the Princess Theatre. It is the powerful story of how a young girl designs to give herself to an old- and rich man in return for his aiding her lover, an unknown young artist. _ In the development of the situations wonderful skill is shown, and how, after all, the sacrifice was averted, makes a gripping story. (Hundreds of thousands of people have read the story of “The Elusive Pimpernel,’’"' by Baroness Orczy, the seoond feature showing at the Prin■oeri|, and it is safe to say that practically everybody has heard of the adventurous character, “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” who forms its hero. In the picture version, the title hole is wonderfully enacted by Cecil Humphreys, who is the ideal type for this difficult part. It is interesting to note that Mr Humphreys is just now achieving further fame with Qsoar Ascho in the latter’s colossal: spectacle, -“Cairo,” and the fact of Mr Humphifeys being chosen stamps him as an actor of distinction. STRAND THEATRE FINE FAIRBANKS FILM. Doug. Fairbanks, in his new releaso, “When the Clouds Roll By,” which is now delighting Strand Theatre audiences, has made one of the best pictures of his career. There is a distinctly human touch ,about , .this film whioh shows Doug, in a new and attractive role. But as always, he does not neglect the humorous side of things, and though there Jfere many powerful scenes, among tffem some breath-catching pictures of a big Rood, Doug, is as sure as ever to find a laugh for every minute. Katherine McDonald and Freckles (Wiesley) Barry, figure in “Stranger than Fiction,” and the reappearance of these two popular stars is al- ! ways welcome. No one wonders now ; how it id that young Barry touches the toft spot in the hearts of those who j see him on the screen, and gives them j the desire to make his personal acquaintance. As the> little street urchin of New York he. is inimitable, and Miss McDonald, as: the New York society belle, fills her role charmingly. Tired of high life she decides to take a hand in 'bringing the Black Hand gang to book. It would be telling too much and would take off the edge of the enjoyment of the picture to say what transpires as a result of her decision, hut it leads to some very exciting situations, dramatic and humorous. The programme is supported by a Mermaid comedy and/ a Gazette of the latest pictorial news. “UNDER TWO FLACB” AT PARAMOUNT AND AfftTCRAFT. Ouida’s world famous romantic novel, “Under Two Flags,” in its film version, furnishes the attraction at the Paramount and Artcraft Theatres this week. The film is of an -unusual order of merit, set on the edge of the Sahara, colourful and dramatic. , The story opens with a. man of myst&y drifting into a cafe which is the rendezvous of members of a French regiment stationed at Algiers. He approaches a corporal and requests permission to enlist, but as he declines information regarding himself other thfm that his name "is Victor, he is refused. Be _ shakes the - dice to see if he joins them or their enemies —the Arabs —with Cigarette, halfFrench, half-Arab, a child of the desert and “daughter or the regiment,” and loses, and so becomes one of the regiment. Years speed by, and Cigarette has fallen in love with the handsome Victor, who always repulses her advances. In the interim, the Sheik, Ben Ali Hamman, plans for a desert, uprising, whioh will sweep the French menace from his domains. At this there enters the Princess Corona, a powerful English noblewoman, who is visiting Algiers, and the marquis falls in love -with her. He becomes jealous of Victor, and plans the downfall of the trooper, trying to lav him open for court-martial. The Sheik, sensing how things are going, sees a chance to win Victor to his side and arranges to have him kidnapped on his way to the barracks. Cigarette foils the plot and saves Victor’s life. He contracts fever, and reveals that he is of noble English birth and has fled to save his brother, and that the princess is his one and only love of those days in England. The Sheik decides to get Victor out of the way, and 1 hatches a false charge of high treason. The story of the Arab attack upon the French, and how Cigarette saves the regiment makes an enthralling .picture. Beautiful Priscilla Dean appears in the film, and scores another screen success. Like the good actor and athlete that he is, Tom, Mix, the ’William Fox star, never fails to resort to what is known in the prize-ring and on the baseball field as “a change of pace” to make sure of the success of every one of his pictures. This pleasant and necessary change of pace is especially noticeable in his latest Fox production, “The Fighting Streak,” which is the seoond big feature.

THE TIGER’S COAT „ AT THE QUEEN’S. The theme of assumed identity is well developed in “The Tiger's Coat,’’ the Selznick production which is attracting attention at the Queen’s Theatre this week. Myrtle Stedman, I>awson Butt and Tina Madotti play the lead in this story of how h girl stole a man’s heart under an assumed name. What happened when she was exposed furnishes the material for a particularly powerful and artistic Selznick production. The other feature .is ‘*lll6 Soar,” an intense drama of a battle of wits between minds of good and evil, with love as the reward! It is a story of the remarkable power wielded by the woman in organising and disorganising the lives of many others. The picture is enacted by a wonderful cast, headed by Kitty Gordon and Irving Cummings- The remaining items on the programme include the latest topical budget, Selznick news and -comedy, the whole supported by the Queen’s orchestra, under the direction of Mr H. A. Jerome. The box plan is at the theatre.