AMUSEMENTS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 3, 25 October 1924, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

THE KING’S THEATRE.

to-night.

amuse ?fiacl N..C shrdlu cmfw William S. Hart, the popular Para,ount Western star, will he seen at the King’s Theatre to-night only in his latest production, "Singer Jim McKee,” a Western drama of thrills and adventure. The supporting items include the latest gazette, educational and comedy. “THE BOHEMIAN GIRL.” On Monday night only, "The Bohemian Girl,” a picturisation .of Balfe’s favourite opera, produced by an English company starring Gladys Copper and Ivor Novello will be screened. The famous opera of the “Bohemian Girl” was composed in 1843 by an Englishman, William Michael Balfe, who began his musical career at the early age of seven. This well beloved opera has now been transferred to the screen, losing nothing and gaining much in its transference. A celebrated caste, an im-

mortal story, and a famous opera 'has been woven by a master hand into a production of overwhelming magnificence. A feature of the screening of the picture will be the rendering of

the operatic selections from “The Bohemian Girl,” by an augmented orchestra. Usual prices will be for this special attraction.

“FLORODORA.” FULL DRESS REHEARSAL. A representative of the “Stratford Evening Post” had the pleasure last evening of witnessing a full-dress rehearsal of the popular musical comedy, “Florodora,” wliich .is to ho staged at the Town Hall. Stratford, on Wednesday evening, and subsequently at Hawera and other Taranaki towns. H e was agreeably surprised the high standard of efficiency already attained by principals, and chorus alike, while the work the orchestra was. among the most pleasingly features of the performance. The scenic effects in both acts cannot fail to meet with approval, this applying specially to the second scone, in which the artiste completed-. his effective ideas. There, can bo no doubt that- the Society has progressed far along the road since its memorable production of “The Cingaleo” last year, and the new fields opened up give plenty of scope for the talent among its members. Particularly fortunate has it been in its lady principals. Miss Sheahan as Dolores, Miss Maida Ward as Lady Holyroocl, and Miss R. Grubb as Angela are. hosts in themselves. Possessed of good voices, attractive stage appearance,, and natural histrionic. ability of no mean order they combine to set the hall mark of value upon the production. Among Dolores’ best numbers are “The Silver Star of Love,” “The Queen of the Philippines Islands,” and “The Island of Love,” the latter with the chorus making a splendid finale. Her acting iis always attractive. Lady Holyrood is quite vivacious in “When I Leave Town,” while “Tact” and “I’ve an Inkling,” supply. her with material for much good singing .and acting. Angela’s gpod work does not come as a surprise to her friends, ' who have long recognised Miss Grubb’s talent in this direction. She ha§. not allowed her opportnnity to slip. Her items are “Galloping,” a duet with Captain Donegal, and “The Fellow Who Might,”' with chorus. These ladies are admirably supported by Mr W. E. Addinell as Frank A bercoed, Mr L. G. Wood as Captain Donegal, Mr N. H. Moss as Cyrus Gilfain, and Mr G. F. Harkness as Anthony. Tweeclio,punch. The first-named is suited to his part, and sings well, and as the result of further rehearsals before Wednesday night will assuredly do himself full justice. The Captain appears to be quite at home among the girls, and his song with novelty ballet and chorus entitled, “1 Want to be a Military Man,” is a pretty item. Messrs Moss and Harkness are the mainspring of the comedy, in the production, and they acquit themselves very well indeed. They; tqo, must be seen to be thoroughly appreciated. The ballets and the choruses are well done, and the dressing of the piece reflects the greatest credit upon the wardrobe mistress.

It must not Lie imagined that la-st night’s rehearsal went oft' without a liitoh. Far from it. The stage manager, Mr T. E. tßridger, who also appears in “Florodora” as Leandro (overseer of the farm), as well as the musical conductor, Mr V. N. Lester, kept a heavy hand upon the parts, and straightened out the per•foiimiances considerably. It would have been an unsatisfactory feature of the evening if they had been quite content and allowed the show to run along on its own. Most certainly, their reward will come on Wednesday night, when their efforts will be judged by the public. In conclusion, it must be stated that the rehearsal was a good one. and augurs well for the complete success of the comedy. It is gratifying to the Society to find that the hookings at the box office at Grubb’s already guarantee practically a full house for Wednesday. This i» only what all the hard-working members of the Musical Society deserve from Stratford town, and district. FORESTERS’ DANCE MONDAY.

A good time is promised at the dance in the Foresters’ Hall on Monday evening.