THE THEATRES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16914, 10 December 1920, Page 3

THE THEATRES.

“THE MESSIAH.” A sdcond performance of the oratoria “The Messiah,” was successfully given on Thursday night, when there was again a large and very appreciative audience. Notwithstanding the very heavy strain put upon all concerned in giving such a work on two nights in succession, both soloists and chorus sustained their parts well, though there was perhaps not quite the elan which characterised the first night's work. The l|idy principals were again the recipients of handsome bouquets, and all the soloists were very heartily applauded for their singing. The whole chorus and tho visiting artists met in a very enjoyable supper party at' tho Hygienic rooms after tho conclusion of the concert.

HINEMOA REVUE COMPANY.

The Hinemoa Revue Co. opened a two nights’ season at the AVorkers’ Social Hall last night. The first part of the entertainment was arranged on vaudeville lines and items of a wide variety were included. The Misses AA'aldcn and Skipper sang separately and in duet, hut it was in a lilting little song 'called “Memories” that they secured tho greatest applause. A whistling solo and clog dauco were also enjoyed. Aftei- half-time tho curtain rose on the prettiest scene imaginable—a Maori whare situated in a sylvan glade, in front of which reposed tho Chieftain Tohnu (Mr. H. Courtney, a strikingly handsome figure), Hinemoa (Miss N. AA’alden). and a galaxy- of Maori maidens all dressed, in appropriate costumes with their warriors beside them. Soon there arrived upon the scene three grotesque personages, termed “The Nuts,” Cohan (Mr. Tom To Puni), Levinsky, a Russian (Mr. AA r . AA’alden), and Little Willie, evidently a, third cousin of Charlie Chaplin (Mr. AA 7 . Iti). These comedians served to keep tho audience in laughter. “Hinemoa,” tho possessor of a delightful voice and charming personality, completely captivated tho audience. Mention must also bo made of the part of “Gussic” (an English tourist), which was taken by Mr. A. Bartlett, and this sightseer was led by Susan, the guide, tho two causing much merriment. As the “Merry AVidcnv,” Mr. Kipa gave an admirable interpretation. Musical numbers were also interspersed, that of “Hinemoa,” sung by Mr. Te Puni, proving most popular. Poi dances and a haka were also given and wore much appreciated. “Hinemoa” shows again to-night, and a largo audience is anticipated.

THE PEOPLE’S. LAST NIGHT OF VIVIAN MARTIN. A brightly entertaining comedy drama is “Making Her His Wife,” starring popular Vivian -Martin, and screening finally to-night at the People’s. Were you domesticated before you married, or has your husband domesticated you since ? In any case you will be interested in tho wife’s experiences in “Making Her His Wife.” She believed in women’s rights, too. Tho bill includes ga/.etto, comedy, and interest films. OLIVE THOMAS TO-MORROW.

Lovely, dainty Olive Thomas scores a bigger success than over in her second Selznick masterpiece, “Upstairs and Down,” She is cliarming throughout, even when doing very foolish things or telling very foolish lies. She flirts perfectly, makes real love wonderfully, dresses beautifully, and generally romps through a clever play in a way that is all her own. The matinee tomorrow commences at 9 p.m.,'and the bill includes gazette, two-reel comedy, and “The Great Gamble” No. 12, entitled “The Wolf Pack.”

THE EMPIRE. “SUNNYSIDE” AND “BACK TO GOD’S COUNTRY.” The great double attraction, James Oliver Cunvood’s “Back to God's* Country/' and the inimitable Charlie Chaplin’s “Sunnysiclo” should prove a record-breaker at the Empire to-day and to-morrow. You have not scon Charlie at ius best until you have seen his side-splitting "Suuuyside.” In it ho teaches the’ whole world how to be happy' though hired, how to make lama lay fried eggs, iiow to chauffeur the cows and catch wild cats. Hu is just the jazzy limit, though in his life there is very little jazz—morning, breakfast, work, and kicks; noon, more work, mistakes, and kicks; night, romance, sweet thoughts, and kicks. That’s Charlie’s day, a round of tiresome toil and disas-. irons day-dreams. “Back to God’s Country” is unique; it was filmed for the most part north of S 3 degrees, right in the Arctic Circle, and one of the east lost his life from tho intense cold. It is a vital story of passionate, elemental life in the world; of Dolores, the swimming girl, whose Jove for animals makes them her friends and protectors from preying men more heartless than the beasts of the forest. Seats may now be reserved at* Collier’s.

EVERYBODY’S. THE LEE KIDS TO-NIGHT. A brilliant double-feature bill .screens at Everybody’s to-night and at both sessions to-morrow. ITlioso delightful little stars, the Lee Kiddies, feature in a Eox comedy, * Wo Should Worry,” and incidentally they do not, but all other people who come in their way have plenty of cause for worry. The second feature stars Sossue Hayakawa in “The Tong Man,” a talo of Chinatown, ’Frisco, and its various Celestial tribes or clans, known as Tongs. The picture lifts the veil from ’Frisco’s Chinatown, and sheds a lot of light on the Oriental underworld.