THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1198, 13 December 1917, Page 7

THE THEATRES.

J "LOOK WHO'S HERE."

THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT.

Commencing at the Theatre Royal to-night, Mr Waller will present his' latest attraction, "Look Who's! Here," direct from a twenty weeks' season at the Palace Theatre, Sydney. The company comprises a membership of twenty-five artists, specially chosen from Mr Waller's attractions of the past seven years. For this class of entertainment j "Look Who's Here" is a conglomeration of all that is best in every conceivable form of stage presentations,! great care has had to be exercised I in the selection of the artists, and it is claimed that the management has. got together an amalgamation of artists who are past-masters in their individual lines. Such well-known names as Jack Waller, Fred Dennett, Wylie Watson, Cecilia Gold, and Ada Smart appear on the programme, and the newcomers include Gregory Ivanoff, Howard Hall, Will Hender, Leslie White, Richard White, Dorothy White, Patsic Hill, and many others. The Purple Band, which will contribute selections grave and gay, ranging from grand opera to ragtime, is under the direction of Mr Simms Waller. To-night's programme will include Tschaikowsky's fptious "1812" Overture, played by the full instrumental strength of the company, and augmented by the inclusion of four pianos on the stage. By special request the management has decided to include the popular Hungarian Band Burlesque in to-night's programme. This evening's list is plentifully sprinkled with good and wholesome comedy of the burlesque type, and this, in conjunction with the musical offerings should prove a first-class attraction. The plan of the reservations for the first four nights of the season is on view at The Bristol. A complete change of programme will be submitted on Tuesday. QUEEN'S THEATRE. In the making of the World Film picture, "Souls Adrift," now being screened at the Queen's Theatre, it was necessary for the entire company to make a trip to a desert island in the Bahamas, and consequently the tropical scenes depicted are genuine. Strange swamps, tropical vegetation, wild birds and weird animals all appear in a very natural manner. Ethel Clayton is seen in the leading" role, and a striking success she makes of it. The play includes numbers of sensations, including the explosion of a palatial pleasure yacht. There is a first class supporting programme, which includes a riotous comedy. "~ STARLANP THEATRE. One of the best dramas yet turned out by that master mind of the cinema world, William Fox, is now being screened early at Starland. It is a five-reel production entitled "Love a,nd Hate," and the leading role is played by Madame Bertha Kalich, the star actress of the great Jewish Theatre of New York. It is a story in which genuine emotional acting is required to give it its necessary force. The way in which Madame Kalich interprets her role more than fulfils this requirement. The story tells of the troubles caused in the life of a noble woman by the intrusion of a man she despises. The conclusion is a very powerful one. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. This week's programme at Everybody's is headed, by a five-reel Triangle production "An Even Break," which features that fascinating young actress, Miss Olive Thomas, who made her screen debut in "Madcap Madge." Miss Thomas is seen as one of the footlight favourites of New York's Great White Way. In places the picture is really a gigantic musical comedy transferred to the screen, and its ballet scenes, lighting and stage effects are wonderful and magnificent. The story is a gripping one, and the way in which Miss Thomas romps her way through its many scenes invests it with an added charm. LIBERTY THEATRE. Impressive white costumes were used for the solemn ceremony of celestial marriage performed according to the rites of the Mormons. These are reproduced with exact fidelity in "The Mormon Maid," the great film drama now screening at the Liberty Theatre. This pictureplay is stated to have been the subject of desperate attempts by the Mormon authorities to prevent its being screened, and it makes a terrible onslaught on the practices carried on when the Utah settlement was wholly and completely under the domination of the Mormon elders. The story is particularly sensational. In addition will be shown Chapter 5 of "The Secret Kingdom," "Carriage Call No. 101." STRAND THEATRE. A first-class programme is at present in season at the Strand Theatre. The piece de resistance is a five-part Morosco drama, "The House of Lies," in which a delightful and talented actress, Miss Edna Goodrich portrays the star part. It is a story of a girl's romantic ideals, which she eventually realises and finds a lasting happiness. The play is verv well produced and acted, while the -photography is all that can be desired. Miss Goodrich is supported by a particularly able cast of players. There is a lengthy supporting list, which includes two interesting topicals, and a cartoon. GRAND THEATRE. Olga Petrova is appearing with much success this week at the Grand Theatre in "The Waiting Soul," a five-act Metro wonderplay with a powerful theme. The story is an exceptionally emotional one, and displays in the most vivid manner the heights of Madame Petrova's dramatic artistry. It is the story of a young woman's early misstep, and how in after years she endeavoured to keep her secret from her husband. Realising that in her case silence is deception, she decides to tell all, and the conclusion is one of rare power. Included on the supporting programme is another chapter of "Rex Beach's Travels." SYDENHAM PICTURES. A new programme, which will he headed by "An Even Break," featuring that fascinating actress, Olive Thomas, will be screened this evening at the Sydenham Picture Palace. This picture is one of an unusual nature, and contains numerous thrills, and telling of a charming reunion.

OPEN AIR CONCERT. The Christchurch Orchestral Society will give an open air concert next Saturday evening in Mr F. C. Raphael's grounds, 12 Mansfield Avenue, in aid of the Merivale and Rugby Street Red Cross branches. The concert will commence at 8 p.m. The orchestra's numbers will be the "Egmont" and "Raymond" overtures, incidental music, "Henry VIII." intermezzo "Carissima," suite, "Ensantine," entr'acte, "Corisande," march, "La Heine de Saba." The well-known quartet party, Messrs Cookson, .Toll, March, and Miller, will sing "Negro Medlev," "Evening Twilight," "Catastrophe," and "O Sanctissima," while songs will be sung by Messrs G. March, B. B. Wood and C. .1011, and the popular concertina player, Mr Colin Campbell, will play some selections. "LES CLOCHES DE CORNEVILLE" There was a crowded house last evening at the Theatre Royal for the final performance by the Christchurch Glee and Madrigal Society of "Les Cloches de Corneville." At the conclusion of the performance many bouquets were presented to the lady principals. MALE VOICE CHOIR. Excellent booking is reported from Milner and Thompson's in connection With the forthcoming first appearance of this newly-formed choir, quite a rush for seats being experienced this morning when the box plan was opened. "ELIJAH." On Tucsdav next, at the Choral Hall, the Christchurch Musical Society, assisted by the Symphony Orchestra, will render the oratorio "Elijah." Madame Gower Burns and Mrs W. Pidgeon and Messrs H. Gill and W. Clarkson will fill the principal solos, and they will be assisted by a strong chorus.