AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18200, 26 February 1929, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

MANON LESCAUT. AT THE GRAND. Based on the world famous romance, written by Abbe Prevest, the story of which Massenet put to music in his beautiful opera of the same name, “Manon Lescaut/’ a dramatic romance of France in the days before the; Revolution, is due to have its premiere at the Grand Theatre to-night. Manon Lescaut is the name of a young and beautiful girl, played by Lya de Putti, who, to escape from the puritanical ideas of her maiden aunts, just as they were placing her in a convent, gets into a series of tragic incidents involving not only her own life, but the life ot the Chevalier des Grieux, a son of one of the highest families of France, in fact, the son of the Marshal of France. Her beauty and purity drawn to tins handsome, manly youth, rouses the jealousy and hate of the Marquis de 13ili. and it is the evil machinations oi this' diabolical and unprincipled oh roue, using his wealth and influence against this young couple, that is the cause of all their misery. Whether n: pique or pathos, in love or in tragedy Lya de Putti proves in this, her latest production, her claim to be one of th< greatest actresses on the screen to-day An interesting insight is given, to pr< j son life of the day, in the screen n | which we see Manon east into gao 1 among the common herd, and workim j at the treadmill. By way of contrast some of the dresses worn by Lya d 1 Putti in this masterful production, an some of the scenes depicted are th extreme of richness. “Mason Lescaut is a picture in a class by itself, a pr< cl net ion that will rein ai n i n one memory as did “The Blue Danube an intense story, a great love, magti fioent spectacle, and of interest hi torieallv, it is a picture that none wi ■want to miss. Patrons are advised i reserve their seats early throujj telephone 486. “ THE MIDNIGHT FROLICS.” Before a capacity house in th Theatre Royal last evening, Clei Diuve and Eric Edgley presented tl I “Midnight Frolics” in a programme < I entrancing gaiety and musical m? i iinks. Although the curtain can I down well before twelve o clock la night, the midnight 1 robes ol t. . company seemed singularly appJ'opria ! to that witching: l""iv ' Jt i lively society it. j«pu!arly supposed i i begin its Bohemian revels. uaiet\ j carried bv these jolly entertainers ' I n high pitch, thanks very largely the vital spark that invigorates t work of every performer; and radian I p certain “peppincss” across the loc 1 lights. , r I The company presents an ideal ng entertainment, full of coloui. mov I iront and song, and there is not a cii moment from curtain to curl a i Comedv is sen ed up abundantly courses that whet the appetite i more, popular songs are featured attractive settings. and there c bright leavening of dancing wh makes the frolics go with a swing. Clem Da we is a comedian v. matters. There is no gainsaying he the main prop of the show. I’.uha it is because he is quite capable i being funny without the assistar 'of gnus and “slapstick" that eat hini a certain respect too often lacki in this type of comedian. Not tl I lie ignores adventitious aids— anythi ; he does appears supremely eoiuica j but lie attains his he«t oflicts when i ;i n pa re nt ly exerts the least efFo i There was one exception to this r

last night—the hilarious posturing he achieved when he conducted one of those interminable jazz bands which appear to be regarded as so necessary an adjunct of a successful revue. Mr Dawe thoroughly deserved his triumph, but. tho tumultuous applause with which his efforts were received was modestly acknowledged. He is the Atlas of Gaiety. The Dawe brand of humour is original and free from vulgarity, and the house at times literally rocked in a tumult of applause I and merriment. I The jazz band is remarkably good. It contains 11 players, and probably twice as many instruments, and musically is always efficient. Gregory Ivanoff, the Russian violinist who leads it, is far more appreciated as a solo player, and his two individual appearances lift the musical part of the entertainment distinctly out of the nit. The band numbers were “Persian Market,” “Ice Cream” (with megaphone effects). “Chloe” (sung by Sir Perryman and girls), “Where D’ya Worka John?” and “Poet and Peasant,” by Suppe. This latter, conducted by Clem Dawe, he having tired of saxophone and clarinet, and critical of Mr Ivauoff’s work, was priceless. William Perryman is decidedly a vocal acquisition to the company. He pos- * sesses a musical tenor voice and a ! graceful presence, and proved one of I the most popular members of the • company. Phyllis Ainery danced her way to tho hearts of all to lively ' music. The violin in the hands of ■ Gregory Ivanoff becomes a voice. An unusual composition by R. Korsakoff ! I Ivanoff. “A 'Spanish Caprice,” lull ol Y ! fire, served to emphasise the serenitv z - of Schumann’s “Traumerie,” will '1 which it was bracketed. Later, tin: .j artist played “Deep in My Heart” am e “Indian Love Call.” Dorothy White b too, received a flattering reception One of the features of the Frolics i ' s I the dancing of the Dick and Doroth; _L I Trio. Miss White’s work in the seen i_ with Clem Dawe, “The Sailor’s Re s_ ! mance,” was dramatic to a degree II while the road repairing burlesque :o featuring Clem Dawe, was one of th ;li high lights of the programme. The Frolics featured several ver clever potted plays which fairl brought down the house, particular! “Unnecessary Remarks” and “!i Traveller.” All the members of th “Midnight Frolics” did weil. Tl entertainment was brilliantly stage e and well dressed, the mounting heir, n up to the usual high standard. 1 1 e players concluded their entertainmei )f with a clever sketch. “Fun in h Cabaret,” in which Clem Dawe an ie j Dorothy White played the leadin st | roles. ie | The orchestra, under tho baton ; e j Ronald Stafford, presented a fine pr< h j gramme of musical numbers, and a ,o I together the entertainment, which is , a pot pourri of sketches, dances, song :o 1 nonsense and elaborate staging. ? to delighted th-' large house last evenn ie that the filial appearance, ot t! es 1 “Midnight Frolics” to-night shou t- 1 draw record patronage.