ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17220, 1 October 1927, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

Theatre royal. The current programme at the Theatre Royal is very entertaining. “Men of Steel” is one of the biggest pictures yet filmed, for not only is the story an unusual one and the setting magnificent, but Milton Sills has done the best work of his screen career. Sills wrote the story from which this picture has been filmed from a suggestion received in R. G. Kirk’s short story, “United States Flavour.” No ono knows better than Sills what Sills can do, and in the writing of the story he worked knowing the person who was to play each part—knowing their ability and personality. The United States Steel Corporation co-operated l'Aom the beginning with First National in the making of the picture.

STRAND THEATRE. Stan Tilton and Eddie West, the popular “Joy Boys,” will bring their Hamilton season to a . close tonight. “Frisco Sally Levy,” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayei’s new picture, featuring the vivacious Sally O’Neil, which heads the picture portion of the programme, is a brilliant romance of family life in a big city. “The Auctioneer” is the second big attraction. “The Auctioneer” sets forth in a most human manner the story of a little Irish orphan who is adopted by a Russian and his wife on their way to the land of promise. ORGAN AND VOCAL RECSTAL. .Mr t. S. Webster has arranged a- very attractive programme for the organ and vocal recital to be given in St. Paul's Methodist Church to-night, Mr '■ Webster will give several organ selections, and will be assisted by Mrs E: B. Lovell (elocutionist). Miss.R. M. Storey (soprano), &nd Mr W. B. L. Williams (bass).

■V”", JOY LAND BALL. Tuesday next, October 4, is to be the grand opening night of the newlyrenovated Hamilton Town Hall. Ihe whole of the interior has been completely transformed, and will- be a revelation to those who were familiar with this building which has served its purpose for a number of years. The Joyland management has been honoured with the opening night, and to celebrate the occasion in a fitting manner will present the Great joyland 1927 Ball. An extensive decorative scheme is well in hand and the entirely new .lighting effects , will be a big feature. " Mr. Loughiin .has been fortunate in again securing the permission of the Auckland “New Regent” management to present the “New Regent” Jazz Syncopators, who received such a sensational reception at the lasi Joyland.

“THE BERTH OF A FLOWER.” Wednesday’s matinee will give Hamilton -hut one opportunity of seeing “The Birth of a Flower,” perhaps the most amazing film ever made. The picture was brought personally by Mr Clarke Irvine, who played one week at the Auckland Strand, where thousands saw it. The slow-motion camera has caught the flowers flirting, making love, going to seed, and even dying, and forms a truly marvellous lesson, besides the comic snow battles, bird and animal life and other travel scenes. The picture is enhanced.by an interesting talk by Mr Irvine.

KATINKA. , A whole column would not be sufficient to contain all the good news one could .write of “Kalinka,” Ihe 3-act musical play to be set by the Hamilton Operatic Society in the Theatre Royal j on October 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Jn ■ the first place it was only after considerable agitation and persuasion that J. C. Williamson released “Katinka,”' and October 11 will'see the first amateur production. “Katinka” is a musical play of a high standard, containing glorious solos, magnificent choruses, haunting melodies and declamatory vocal work. The dialogue is bright and breezy with a good touch of sentiment and the humour and wit snappy, wholesome and new. r lhe first scene is in Russia and this fine setting is supported with frocks and dresses of this nation. The second act opens in Turkey and with the bright Eastern scenery and dresses of this interesting country the eye and artistic senses receive a feast. Act 3 opens in that gayest of all gay places, Paris. Gay it is, for gaiety is in every note of music,, every word, every action, every dance. And that reminds one of the dancing. What changes, first the strong heavy movements of the Russians, then the evolutions of the East, and to finish the joyous frolics of the gay Parisenne. The Operatic Society have of late wears produced some very flne _ and excellent operas, but in the opinion of those privileged to attend recem rphearsais “Katinka” will outshine all past productions. Principals, chorus, ballel--in fact, everyone concernedare working hard. Intending patrons would be well advised to reserve thenseats.

ALEXANDER WATSON RECITALS. Mr. Alexander Watson, the famous English entertainer, will give a recital at the Theatre Royal on Monday, October 10. All over the English-speaking world Mr. Watson’s work has. a multitude of admirers, for there is probably no reciter before the public who has travelled so extensively and so successfully as Mr. Watson has done in the pursuit of his art. lor man} years large audiences Ibrougiiout England, Australia, and New Zealand, including the members of lecture societies and literary institutions, and boys and girls in public schools, have keenly enjoyed his discerning interpretations 0 f great literature —selections made with that fine feeling he possesses for what is best and most appropriate for verbal presentations. The first recital will include an excerpt, “Hunting for Ezra,” from Sir J. M. Barrie’s delightful story “The Little Minister,” with selections from Shakespeare, Kipling, and other standard works.