THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 963, 13 March 1917, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

OPERA HOUSE. The Opera House was crowded last night for the inauguration of the week's programme, a splendid bill being provided. The special attraction of Madame Alverna and M. Jean Laerte again drew many patrons, and both artists were as highly successful as during their first week. Last night Madame Alverna sang Braga's "La Serenata" (with violin obbligato) "Ave Maria" (Mascagni), "The Dream of Home" (Arditi), and, by special request, Alfred Hill's "Waiata Poi." M. Jean Laerte played several excellent violin soji, a clever imitation of the bagpipes being particularly good. Lieut. Gordon gave a good venlriloquial turn, and George Crotty, the revue comedian and scarecrow dancer, was again most successful in new songs and imitations. Lyla Thompson and Olga Montez, a smart soubrette duo, made their first appearance, and Merlin, the "world's worst wizard," •and the accommodating and intelligent Archibald, provided much mirth with their entertainingly absurd conjuring spasm. Mr W. Blake and Maud Granby presented a comedy sketch "Also Ran," which found high favour with the audience, and the Caleys, the popular Scotch comedians, repeated their success of last week. Ray and Gray, a clever patter team, made their first appearance in patter, songs, and a graceful skirt dance by the feminine half of the duo. Fred. Arthur, the versatile "Shabby Genteel" Irishman, introduced several new and original songs, including "When I Breathe," "Good-bye, Bachelor Days," and "Story of a Kiss." Altogether a rattling good programme. "WHAT HAPPENED TO JONES." In connection with Mr George Willoughby's New Musical Farce Company who commence their Christchurch season on Monday evening next, March 1!), at the Theatre Royal, with that most laughable farce, "What Happened to Jones," byGeorge 11. Broadhurst, numbers of people are asking, What did happen to Jones, anyway? Jones, played by George Willoughby, was a commercial traveller, of cyclonic methods, who travelled for a hymn-book house, and sold playing cards as a side line. One day he went to a glove contest, and when the police raided the place he broke out and ran. He found himself in the company of a terrified old professor, Ebenezer Goodly, and the hitler's frolicsome prospective son-in-law, Richard Hetherley, and he bolted with them to the Goodly home. Learning that the police had tracked them down, Jones allayed the fears of his companions, and promised to put the officers of the law oil' the scent. To do so he dons the new clerical garb of the Bishop of Ballarat, Dr Goodly, I).I)., a brother of the professor, who is paying his relatives a visit after 30 years' absence, and is hourly expected. Thus masquerading, the resourceful Jones blurted the police, deceived the entire household, and incidentally wins the heart of Cissy, the professor's ward. During the action of the farce there are several speciallywritten songs and dances introduced thai sends the show along with a happy swing from the rise to the fall of the curtain. Mr Willoughby has been fortunate in securing such artisis as the following to support him:--Messrs Harry Ilalley, Frank Brookes, David Jefferson, Arthur Alf bert. Waller Ironsides, etc., Misses Muriel Dale, June Addell, Edna Seaton, Florence Failing, Florence Leigh, elc. The box plan is at The

Bristol, where seats may be secured Cor the season. PICTURE SHOWS. The second instalment of "Gloria's Romance" was shown for the first lime at Everybody's yesterday, and during the evening a large number of people attended. "Reggie Mixes In," a Triangle production, is also on the programme, "The Stronger Love" attracted a large crowd to His Majesty's last evening. There were good supporting pictures, including a good comic "His Busted Trust." The programme will be repeated this evening. "God's Half Acre," featuring Mabel Taliaferro, was shown yesterday at the Grand, and was attended by large crowds. The programme concludes with a "Metro" travelog and a Sidney Drew comedy. There was a very large attendance at Starland last night "when another strong programme was submitted. The main items were "A Woman's Temptation," and "The Thousand Dollar Husband." "DAMAGED GOODS." The J. C. Williamson Co. concluded its season of the propagandist play "Damaged Goods" at the Theatre Royal last evening before another crowded audience, amongst whom were many clergymen. This morning the company left for the south, where they play to-night at Timaru, and for the rest of the week at Dunedin. The company finally leave for Australia on the 21st inst.