AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20150, 19 May 1928, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS.

THE MAJESTIC “Ladies Must Dress,” a Fox Films production featuring Virginia Valli aud Lawrence Gray, will open at the Majestic Theatre 10-day. Tae supporting cast includes Earle Luxe, xsancy Carron and Hallam Cooley. Miss \ alii, in the earlier scenes of the production is pictured as an alert but somewhat oiiuj-lashioned girl who loves her work and her sweeiueart with equal intensity. Lawrence Gray, as the ambitious young shipping clerk in Ward's Department, store, thinks that his girl is the essence of beauty until the store employees prepare for the annual picnic. When Miss Valli. feeling that sue wants to drees as a sensible girl should appears in a khaki outfit Which gives uer the appearance of a trail-hiker m the Alps, uray begins to listen to the whisperings of his friends, in the store ami wonders why the girl doesn't “dress up.” His decision io plead, illness rather than accompany her to the picnic m this garb, slaus the girl and she confides to Maizie that sne fears Gray no longer loves her. From this point the action speeuhs into a senes ol situations which cause Gray to feel that a great mistake has been maue and that he wants the girl more than ever. His struggle with Earle Eoxe, aa the “heavy, ’’ ujivelops a climax which is thrilling and surprising. “Irish Hearts, ” starring May McAvoy is the supporting feature. The picture has to do with the fortunes and misfortunes that befall pretty Patsy Shannon and her old father, from the day they left Ireland to come to America. Emmett, a lover of Patsy had come ahead, and, when he had secured a job as a New York “white wing” he sent for Patsy, promising to marry her. When she arrived, Emmett informed her he had lost his job and that she must go out on her own. She got a job in a restaurant, there meeting Tim O ’Shay, a husky young Irish-American. who turns the luck when Emmett deserts Patsy for a modern girl. “Jerry” Hie lighting Kangaroo, has proven bo popular that he will appear again today and to-night when he will again give an exhibition bout with a local lad. The children should attend today’s matinee aud see this wonderful pet animal at work. EVANS-GANGE CONCERTS Although it is seven years since the world-famed singers, Miss Amy Evans and Fr Fraser Gauge, were last heard in New Zealand, they are probably the two best-remembered artists that have appeared here. In addition to their own fine concerts ,their appearance as soloists with the Dunedin Choral Society in the performance of “The Messiah’ is an outstanding event in musical history. At the age of fourteen, Miss Evans achieved the greatest honour possible for a Welsh singer. She won the National Eisteddfod of Wales from seventy-eight other competitiors. Ben Davis, the celebrated Welsh tenor, who was one of the five adjudicators of the contest, declared that Miss Evans’ performance was the most marvellous singing that he had ever heard in his career. “Unless lam no false prophet,’ ’he said, “this child will become the greatest singer that Wales has ever produced.” The triumphs of Amy Evans since that day have proved that the famous tenor was no false prophet. Miss Evans sang for five seasons at Covent Garden, London, and paid brief visits t oAmerica, where she sang with the Chicago opera. Her concert tours throughout the British Empire have been brilliantly successful, and sold-out houses have been the rule wherever she has sung. She has appeared in opera, oratorio, and as soloist with orchestras directed t>y such outstanding conductors as Sir Henry Wood, Sir Landon Ronald, Sir Frederick Bridge, Albert Coates, Henri Verbaugghen and Hans Richter. Miss Evans’ voice is a high soprano with that ingratiating warmth of tone. Her diction in Italian, French, German, English and Welsh is so clear that a book of words is superfluous at her concerts. Withal, she possesses personal charm and youthful beauty, and she has the faculty of turning every audience of listeners into an audience of friends. Miss Amy Evans- and her husband, Fraser Gange, will give two concerts in the Opera House, on Wednesday and Thursday, May 30 and 31, under the direction of E. J. Gravestock, Ltd. Miss Enid Conley, a London pianiste of note, will act as solo pianist and accompanist. Plans open on Friday 25, as advertised. HUBERT CARTER’S RECITAL Hubert Carter, the well-known tenor, is presenting a wonderful programme at his recital in the Opera House next Tuesday, May 22nd. Many of the items will be heard for the first time in Wanganui, but there are other items on the programme that are well known so that Mr Carter has again provided for all musical tastes. A feature of the programme will be the first performance here of the Grand Aria from Puccini’s latest opera “Turandot.” This is a magnificent piece of writing and reaches a terrifiv climax' in the closing bars. Of his recital at Hull, England, the music critic said: “Mr Hubert Carter surprised and delighted his hearers by the consummate artistry he possesses, and fully justified the big reputation he has made since coming to England. His command of volume, breathing, phrasing, and general interpretation proved him to possess a v%>cal equipment seldom evidenced by a British tenor. He has been described as a modern Sims Reeves when that artist was at his best, but we prefer to compare him with the best of the Continental tenors. His mezza voce was a sheer delight.” Mr Carter will be assisted by Mr Gordon Mcßeth, at the piano and Miss Edan Greenwood, soprano, who will sing some beautiful songs as well as Th-? Mad Scene from “Cucia di Lammermoor.” The box plan is now open at the Briston. Piano Co., and there has been a steady demand for seats.