ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11664, 31 October 1923, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

MUSICAL COMEDY SEASON ,# THE CABARET GIRL” TO-NIGHT. '"The Cabaret Girl," to be seen in Wellington for a reason of six nights, commencing at the Opera House to-night, is to be presented by the J. C. 'Williamson New Musical Comedy Company, which has been strengthened and augmented for this brilliant production. It is a semi-romantic musical play in three dashing acts. The “book ' and lyrics are by P. G. Wodeliouse and George Grosemith. two of the most reliable sponsors for humour of the English stage. The music is by Jerome Kern vpurt author of “Sally”). The many dances and ballets are the creation of Miss Minnie Everett. The orchestra is under the direction of Harry Burton, and the play will loceivc the personal direction of that prince of producers—llarry Burcher. All of which should go to prove that in “The Cabaret Girl” a performance considerably above tho average may be confidently expected. Some 150 are concerned in the production, which, from a scenic point, is said to be tho most elaborate tindertaking that the J. C. Williamson directors have over attempted in the. realm of musical comedy. There is no doubt that an excellent company has been secured f° r the interpretation of this fascinating play. Hea-led by Alfred: Frith, and followed by such popular and capable artists as Measrs Field Fisher, Cecil Kell:>v ay, Cyril Ritchard, Harry Wotton and Miss Madge Elliott, together with Misses Floie Alloa. Millie Engler, Marie Eaton and Nellie Payne, form a coterie of talMit that it would bo difficult to equal. A deal of interest is attached to the arst appearance here of Mr Harold Pearce and Miss Mabel Monro. Mr Ponrce is an Fnglish baritone of London Mantling, while Miss Monro is also from England and is a refined comedienne, linger and dancer. “The Cabaret Girl” v. ill be played for the first six nights, ind will be followed bv another brilliant musical play in “Kissing Time.” The box plans are now open at the Bristol Piano Company. There will be ft matinee of the “Cabaret Girl” next Saturday.

MIBS STELLA POWER THREE EXTRA CONCERTS. Mies Stella Power, “The Little Melba,' J *-ho has so completely captured Wellington audiences with her wonderful singing, will give three extra concerts under the direction of Mr E. J. Gravestock in the Town Hall Concert Chamber, the large hall not being available, pn Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings next. For her programme to-morrow night*, Mis 3 Power will sing the famous aria from “Norma ” “Casta Diva che Inar-, *enti” (Bemberg), the popular waltz song From “Romeo And Juliet*' (Gounod), •Nymphes et Sylvains” (Bemberg), songs in French, - “Romance” l Debussy), and “Les Anges Pleurent” (Bemberg). Songs In English will include “Sing, Joyous Bird** (M. Phillips), “The Wren” (Liza Lehmann), etc. Mr William James, the brilliant pianist, who has created such a favourable impression with his playing, will include amongst his selections Rachmaninoffs Prelude in G minor, Arabesque No .2 (Debussy). Improvisando ind Toccata by Mangiagalli. Mi* Harold Beck will be the 'cellist. The box plans ire at the Bristol, and day sales at the Bluebird Confectionery, Manners street. KING’S THEATRE ALL-STAR PRODUCTION. With Romain Navarro in the title role, ably supported by Barbara la Marr, and an all-star cast, Rex Ingram's '•Trifling Women” is a release which should appeal to all, if not for its magnificence of production, then that few pictures contain. “Trifling Women*' tells the story of Zareda,, a crystal gazer, whose powers of fascination enable her to cast spells over the men folk until she has them within her net. # In the course of her clever schem* ing she achieves marriage with a wealthy marquis, and with it the power that wealth gives to its —sometimes —fortunate possessors. This is a loveless marriage, nowever. for she desires union with her real lover, a young man named Ivan, and only marquis as a means to an eml. Having succeeded so far she plans to bring about his death, but this scheme miscarries, and in the end Zareda and her lover are discovered together by the husband. It is a terrible end that they meet, thus bringing to naught their designs to perpetrate a horrible crime, and the film treats the drama in a most graphic manner. The part of Marquis Ferroni is portrayed by Lewis Stone, Zareda is Barbara La Marr, Ivan is featured by Ramon Navarro. In support are a Monty Banks comedy, “Nearly Married,” a twin-like resemblance leading to some excruciatingly fanny incidents. The film is 2000 ft in length, and there is fun in every foot of it. The latest gazette is especially interesting, especially to Soccer players and supporters, for it shows the huge crowd moving over the ground at Wembley Stadium, incidents of the play between Bolton and West Ham, and the presentation of the cup. It also gives the Prince of Wales winning a fine steeplechase event, while the King and Queen look on, something with a shade of anxiety on their faces as the Prince takes the jumps. The orchestra Is conducted by Mr L. D. Austin, and gives a most excellent programme of music. “THE GO-GETTER” NEXT FRIDAY. “The Go-Getter,” an adaptation by Paramount of the well-known story by Peter B. Kyne, will commence a Reason at the King’s Theatre starting on Friday. The »tory deals with the adventures of a really live wire youth who sets out -with vim and determination to get the things he goes after, in fact he is a'real hustler. “The Go-Getter” is one of the liveliest things that has ever come to the screen, and is the best story of modern business life that the world of literature has yet ?.een, and now it comes to the screen with a cast that rivals others in the excellence of the players. One scene in particular is said to be a revelation in photography. This is the race at night between arf aeroplane and a speeding express train, culminating when the plane forges ahead and alights on the railroad track several hundred yard* ahead in advance of the train. The fl'""”'" '•* thn train U one of the most breath-catching incidents that has been sh'.v. u on ill** Mcreen for some time, f rom to finish there is not one dull moment in “The Go-Getter.” Picture patrons can therefore look forward to an exceptionally entertaining picture that has already met with tremendous success wherever it has been shown.

A splendid supporting programme will also be screened, whilst special attention has been given by Musical Director J/. J). Austin to the musical numbers, vhieh will be rendered by the King’s Select Orchestra. Altogether Friday's programme will he one that, will satisfy all patrons in search of n really 100 per cent, entertainment. The box -plan is at the Bristol. At the theatre after 5.30 p.m. 'Phone 22-212.

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE

A CUKE FOR CAKE. The present programme at His Majesty's Theatre could with difficulty be bettered. It is truly a feast of highclass vaudeville and revue. Claude De Car, the acrobatic waiter, makes a welcome reappearance and delights tho audience by his burlesque juggling, his wonderful hoad-springs, somersaults, and other acrobatic performances. Eric Masters sings several character songs in a pleasing baritone voice. An item of particular merit is provided by Pinto, who amazes the house by liis marvellous contortionist feats. He combines strength with agility, and his turn is the best of ito kind seen in Wellington for a considerable period. The Jubilee Trio show that they have established themselves as warm favourites, and they once more delight the audience with their fine rendering** of a number ot Elantation melodies. Their voices blend armoniously, and their singing earns rounds of applause. The second half of the programme is « screamingly funny revue, “In Harmony Row,” by the George Wallace Company, which seems to be growing in popularity each week. The plot tells how a new policeman (George Wallace) endeavours to restore law and order in an Australian city slum, and the ludicrous adventures of this arm of the law keep the house in a continuous state of uproarious laughter. Decidedly a programme to kill dull care.

PRINCESS THEATRE “THE CHRISTIAN.” A great book has oome to the screen as a great picture, and one that comes once in a while. That picture is “The Christian,” a picturisation of the famous novel by Sir Hall Caine, and it is being screened at the Princess Theatre.The story tells how John Storm, a young Manxman in love with Glory Quayle. becomes a Christian Socialist and determines to live as Christ would were He on earth. He renounces his love, and Glory goes to London to become a nurse, later going on the 6tage and. becoming a popular star. Storm enters a monastery, but, unable to overcome his love for Glory, renounces his vows. He later establishes a mission in London, and, in a religious frenzy, goes to Glory, determined to kill her. Her love for him causes him to f orgo his purpose, and he wanders out into Trafalgar Square, where he is mobbed by a crowd which hoe been misled by ati enemy • of Storm's into believing that he had prophesied the end of the world for midnight. The beauty of many of the scenes, in composition, lighting and photography, is unique in the development of pictures and reveals why Mr Tourneur is regarded as an artist in this new craft The acting is as intelligent and effective as the direction. Richard Dix, Mae Busch and the other principals are bonnd to emerge from the screening of “The Christian” with new acting laurels. The supports include “North of the Rio Grande” and “The Rubberneck.”