AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15132, 29 January 1917, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS AND MEETINGS

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S MUSICAL COMEDY COMPANY. “TO-NIGHT’S THE NIGHT/' AT 8 O'CLOCK. Described as a lively musical play in two acta and three scenes, “To-night’s the Night” has enjoyed a great popularity in Australia and the Dominion, so playgoers can look forward to a musical treat this evening at the Opera House, where it will be presented for the first time here by J. C. Williamson’s . musical' comedy. The cast, a specially strong one, includes Miss Connie Ediss, a comdienne of repute from the ranks of the London Gaiety Company. In her role of Victoria, Miss Ediss is said to be in possession of that original talent upon which her high reputation as a comedienne in the London theatrical world has been built. Another favourite who will be making her re-appearance is the brilliant young comic operat artist. Miss Dorothy Brunton, who in the role of June has scored one of her greatest triumphs. Messrs C. H. Workman and Field Fisher in their varying styles of comedy extract no end of fun during the two acts of this musical play. Mies Maud Fane as Mrs Carraway pourtrays the character of the jealous wife with skill, and wins hearty appreciation with her excellent use of her sweet mezzo-soprano voice. Mr Alfred Frith as the Hon. Dudley Mitten has, it is said, achieved one of his greatest triumphs, throughout keeping the audience convulsed with laughter at his airy irresponsible conduct. Among the others in a well-balanced cast are Fred Maguire as Henry, William Greene as Pedro, Claude Bantock as Alfonse, Walter Champney as Albert, Ronald McLeod as the policeman, Edgar Warwick as Lord Ridgmount, Marie Eaton as Daisy de Menthe, and Ethel Morrison as Angela Lovitt-Lovitt. During the performance Madge Elliott and Jack Hooker will appear in several eccentric dances. - To-morrow evening the second and final production witi be given with the world’s greatest comic opera success, “So Long, Letty.” An incessant feminine appeal has, it is said, much to do with this musical play’s wonderful success. Dresses costing several hundreds of pounds are worn through these two productions, and the many costumes that are displayed are the latest confections. A specially augmented orchestra, under the direction of Mr Harry Burton, will be responsible for the music, while the scenic display is said to be of an exceptionally lavish nature. The box-plans. for both plays are now on view at Messrs H. I. Jones and Son’s.

THE GRAND. Two big stars are included in tonight’s programme, one being Lasky’s 5-act feature, “The Fighting Hope,” featuring Laura Hope Crews, a new star actress, who appears in a pathetic role that brings out all her talent. It is a trying part, and most of the incidents range lound the character. The other star feature is Louis Lovely, the popular favourite, in the latest Bluebird feature “The Gilded Spider.” This picture will be screened at 7 p.m- sharp and will continue till 8 p.m. The supporting programme will be up to the Grand standard—Experiments in Chemistry, “Ruth Ridgely’s Return” (,2-act drama), “Bobby Bumps and; the Pointer Pup” (cartoon), and a comical comedy, ‘ A Mortgage on his Daughter.” Intending patrons should go early to-night to secure the best seats. Plan at Allden’s.

QUEEN ALEXANDRA BAND CONCERT LAST EVENING.

The Jcontinned success of Sunday open-air concerts inaugurated by the Queen Alexandra Band should be gra.—ying to Lieut. Buckley and the members of his baud. Tie present summer series was continued last evening in the Rotunda- before a large gathering of people. The programme was as usual a well-selected one, and the items showed good treatment by the bandsmen. The appreciation shown to each number played served to show that while the band gives performances which appeal to tie public taste, as their concerts have done, there is little doubt that they will continue to attract large audiences and maintain the approbation of the general public. The special feature of last evening’s performance was the excellent cornet work exhibited by Mr W. ouepley. His solo playing throughout the programme was a distinct feature and really artistic. Another concert will be given shortly, which will be duly notified, when the public can look forward to a similar performance to that given so successfully last evening.