ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11436, 5 February 1923, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE “A NIGHT OUl* THE FINAL PRODUCTION. On Saturday night, at the Grand Opera House, there was a crowded house to witness the final production of “A Night Out.” The humour of W. S. Percy provided fun fast and furious for their pleasure, and tho other members of the cast ably supported the chief fun-maker. Miss Maud Fane as Marcello made the part one of tho chief characters of the piece, and, with Mr Percy, was accorded an enthusiastic reception. "OH, LADY,,LADY” .... INITIAL PRODUCTION'TO-NIGHT. This evening, at the-Grand Opera House, the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., New English Musical Comedy—Company will stage for. the first time ~in- Wellington tho big New York musical" comedy triumph, “Oh, Lady, Lady,” which broke all known records during its twelve months run in Sydney and Melbourne, and which recently created a furore of enthusiasm in Auckland. The main reasons for its remarkable ’ popularity are that the music is of tho fascinating order, the comedy’Ys'scJeamTngTy liumorous, the dances are original and clever, the frocks are beautiful, the ballets pretty, and the scenery and mounting are features of the production. “Oh, Lady, Lady!” also unfolds a cleverly-written story, . the interest of which is sustained right up to the curtain’s final fall. Another factor which has helped materially., towards - making “Ob, Lady, Lady,!” one-of the outstanding successes of this generation, is that 'every member of the present organisation is presented at his or her best. Miss Maud Fane has achieved her best success as Fainting Fann*r, the pickpocket, and her brilliant characterisation will be talked of for many years to come. She' has a number ot scenes with W. S. Percy, and some song . successes which cannot fail to amuse and please audiences. Her singing of “Mammy,” with the assistance of the chorus and ballet with their ukuleles, is on its own worth a visit to “Oh, Lady, Lady!” In no place is Billie Percy more popular than in Wellington, and his many friends will be glad to welcome him in a part which fits him like the proverbial glove. His representation of Hudgins, the ex-bur-glar, gives this talented comedian every opportunity to display his genius for creating laughter, and it is said ho has the audience shrieking with laughter the whole time he is on the stage. Miss Madge Elliott in “Oh, Lady, Ladyl” receives opportunities to display tho fact that she is a first-class actress, in addition to being one of the most charming dancers the Australasian stage has known, and the same may be said of Cyril Ritchardß. Roland Hogue, Cecil Kellaway, and Field Fisher are congenially cast, and so is Millie EngIcr, Floie Allen, and Harry Wotton. Another feature of “Oh, Lady, Ladyl” is the big speciality dance by Jack Hooker, Gwen. Withers, and Harry Kennedy. Unfortunately, owing to the brevity of the season, only a limited number of performances can be staged, of “Oh, Lady, Lady," and it will he followed by “Mary.’’ HIS MAJESTY'B The change of programme to he submitted at His Majesty's Theatre this evening promises to surpass even that of last week, for there are many new turns of an exceptionally high order. There was a large audience present on Saturday evening, and the many items were well -applauded. Harrv North, “the Concertina Swagman.” was in great demand and ran the gamut of musical excerpts ranging from opera to light comedy. The Hilo Trio rendered a number of plaintive Hawaiian airs, while Ruth Bucknall was well received for her vocal numbers. Walter George and his Sunshine Players created the fun of the evening in the revue, “The Scarab.” Mr Frank Perry ii, an English actor with « pleasing voice, was heard in’"l’m Getting Better Every Day?*" ' a " popular number with the audience. The setting of the revue is well arranged, white the many situations are wen handled, and dainty ballet in Sju" Egyptian setting, , lTltffng' combine in an excelleß&^ntertnimoant.. TO-NIGHT’S CHANGE OF . GRAMME. In the new programme to be presented this evening, by Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller there is much that will interest and amuse all classes of' theatregoers. Walter George and Ilia immensely popular Sunshine Players are to present a new comedietta entitled ‘‘The Orange Girl,” which was considered by Auckland critics to be the best production staged by the company during their ten weeks’ season in that city. In “The Orange Girl;’’ comedv has received special attention, and tlio written for- the comedians ’arc said to .be immense.' Some fine lighting effects have been introduced, and the scenic effects generally are said to compare more than favourably with anything seen here. A vaudeville bill of exceptional strength is to take up tho wholo of the firet part, and several of the artists are making their first ap peara.nce in Wellington. Of the newcomers Vaughan, who is) described as “the jazzing gymnast,” does an act that is distinctly novel and clever. His hand-balancing and footwork is a treat, and his offering is put over in'a manner that is far and away ahead of gymnastic acts previously seen' here. A distinguished American violinist in the person of Miss Lola Stantonne is appearing to-night, and will he heard in a fine collection of classical and popular music. The Hilo Trio, a party of Hawaiian musicians and dancers, are in their second week. Theirs is a very pleasing performance, particularly' their playing on th© Hawaiian steel guitar. Some new and well chosen numbers will be sung by Miss Ruth Bucknall, the gifted Australian prima donna. Although an Australian Mias Bucknall has appeared in some of the biggest concert halls in Great Britain and on the Continent. Last, but by no means j least, is “The Concertina Swaggie,” Mr Harry" North. This artist made a wonderful impression on His Majesty’s audiences during last week, and it is quite safe to predict for him a very successful New Zealand tour. Rareiy do local audiences get th© opportunity of hearing concertina players of Mr North's calibre, and those who havo heard him have not been slow in appreciating him. On Saturdav night ho had to respond to encore after encore before the audience would let him leave the stage. Vaudeville patrons have indeed very excellent fare provided for them at His Majesty’s this evening and for the remainder of th© week.