AMUSEMENTS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11580, 2 July 1918, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

“ANTONIO THE SAILOR.”

SPLENDIDLY SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE.

Last night the beautifully spectacular ami musical operetta “Antonio the Sailor,” was produced at the Marlon Town Hall, and it may be said at once th*t, from every point of view, its success exceeded the most sanguine expectations. There was not an empty seat in the house, and although the audience were at first somewhat grudging of their applause, as the performance

proceeded and became more gorgeous in its dresses and colouring enthusiasm readied a point where clapping and encores were inadequate to express their appreciation, and in two or.three instances expressed"itself in cheers. The operetta, which was the production of Mr Bentley Russell, lent itself to tho spectacular—was probably designed to do so—and inutile'latter,'.part of the programme complied wiih the most aesthetic demands. Life and colour are the chief desiderata in such performance and there was in pie - ty. Tnere were no less th*u fifty-five performers on the stage at one time, mostly young girls, and free, disciplined and rhythmic movement and the gleaming under the lights of many colours and shades bad a most fascinating effect. Acd this in most cases formed the setting in which most of the action of the principals took place. There was an excellent orchestra present, which under the conductorship of Mr Satherly Orozier, contributed in no small degree to tiie success of the evening, notsonly by well-executed overtures, but in its sympathetic accompaniments to solos. Tho programme jumper was introduced by the overture “The Thunder Cloud,” with storm effect, and then in”aluumerona setting fof girls in variegated costumes a very pietty country dance was given by the Misses McDonald, Hannon, Gun oil, Batten, K. uamiacn and Nutt, followed by a chorus with swinging effect. This serves to introduce ivir F. Brady, as the Duke’s factotum, and excellently ho did his part. His singing of “A Happy Land” brought him a well-deserved encore, and the comic duet between himself and Mr A. O. Scott “Two Villains of the Deepest Dye,” with appropriately villainous byplay earned them a recall. Mr H. Slier - riff, the Prince, disguised as a sailor, and his two handy men, Messrs Russell and Deurord, arrived by boat, and the two latter, as “Two Mariners Bold, ” tickled the resibilities of the audience. Anuouio’s (Mr Sherriff’s) solo, “Parted,” was splendidly sung, and he was obliged to respond to a most energetic recall. The same compliment, not less vigorously exp essed, was paid to the duet “Bird on Weary Wing” between himself and Yvonne (Miss Laiugl, which w«s a very fine num her The song in which Yvonne, with the aid of a lively chorus, recounts how she found her fate was cordially applauded, aud Miss Ivy Butterfield’s solo, as Avril, the Captain of the Duke’s uodyguard. “The Twiddley Bits,” was one of the vocal gems of the evening, supported as it was by a chorus that went with splendid vim. An encore j was inevitable. Mr Joe Walker, as the Duke, and a comic Duke, was certainly one of the jirincipal successes of the evening, and many enconiums wore passed both on bis acting and singing “Open the Fair,” with a rousing chorus by the company, and which had the compliment of an encore. Act 2 was more spectacular than vocal. It was opened “with the j Marci. of the bodyguard.” This was carried out by nine young ladies, clad in a most sumptuous uniform, under changing colon s of electric I it- fit. It was a really magnificent scene. The figures of the march had been well designed and were clever!j’ executed, aud the audience demonstrated its delight in a most unmisfcakoahle manner. Following the entry of the court Ladies and chorus, the Duke enters, and orders the proceed; 1 gs to commence, which tii y do by a very clever ’ quintette by Mrs I--in-s, Misses U. and L. Laing, and MAs<r* Walker and Brady, exditled “Pack to London Town” with comic, d action (encored), followed by a dance ly Misses Man’, Nightingale p.n'a P-jikes. In this case also the applause w;3 most enthusiastic and the young people were very cordi ally invited to repea-, their performances. The sang “The Whole Story,” by Mrs Inims, was excellently rendered, and she had to respond to an insistent recall. In the Watteau dauce by the Misses Holder B. aud R. Morris, Bramuuhl, Sutcliffe aud Parkes. The effect upon the splendid costumes ox the kaleidoscopic colours was Jjvery fine, Tho j japplause was lin ‘the nature of an ovation,'and a repetition was most strenuously demanded. The advent ot the Prince, an- j other very fine duel, by Antonio and I Yvonne and a gveat chorus by the i fssembLd company brought the performance to a ■ close It only remains to say that Miss Ivy Butterfield made the costumes for the

Guards, the scenery was painted b\ Mr J. G. L Hewitt, and the Marion Red Cross ladies sold sweets tc th 3 amount of £5. If Mr Bentley Rus sail, who const: noted the operetta fr.'-m several sources, and has been thepinstructor throughout, is as well satisfied with the result as tlte public, he lias no occasion for regrets. The operetta is ti be retreated at the Town Hall tonight,* and at Bulls to morrow night. EVERYBODY’S. ‘‘THE PRINCE.**S OP PARK ROW.” WEDNESDAY. An unusual story is told in “The Princess of Park Row,” the Greater Yitrfgr.ph drama, showing on Wednesday night. It- is a tala of fo; eien intrigue which i» carried m: in the heart of New York, aul disc vc-red by a young American newspaper man. A plot to steal from a European country its valuable mine nroperties is almost successful, bat *the king happens upon it, and in order to frustrate the evil scheme, sends an envoy to America to raise a lean. With him goes his pretty daughter and it is an accidental peep tt her that sets the reporter going. He follows up a c-lue which takes him to one of the most dangerous dens in New York, a place of terrible mystery. Many exciting adventures take place befene the climax of the drama arrives. The 6fch episode of the “Neglected Wife” serial will also be screened at usual prices.