ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17326, 11 February 1928, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

HAWAIIAN TROUBADOURS. “ A NIGHT IN HONOLULU.” “A Night in Honolulu” was presented by Kaai's Hawaiian Troubadours at the Hamilton Theatre Royal last night—and a novel and pleasant night it was. The dreamy Hawaiian melodies have a charm all their own, and make a strong appeal, whether played on the ukulele and the sweet-toned steel guitar or sung by members of the company. The exhilarating hula dances, too, strike a distinctive note. But .these clever people from the sunny isles, whose versatility is unusual, do not limit themselves to items typical of Hawaii. Last night’s programme included several popular American song hits, while a jazz band—a real jazz band, one of the best heard in Hamilton—roused the audience to enthusiasm, making the feet tap and the shoulders sway with its rhythmic melodies.

The Company opened with Hawaiian vocal and instrumental selections. — “Imi Au la Oe,” ‘‘Na Ke Aloha,” and “Mai Hoeueu,” presented very pleasingly. The Hilo Duo, Wehi and Keoki Greig, proved very popular in their varied offering, including old and new melodies on ukulele, steel guitar, and saxophone, with delightful humorous touches by Mr Greig. The gay and graceful Flame Hula by Gertrude Kinley and the Jockey and other “tap” dances and Wikiwiki Hula by Frances Luiz were very clever, and the dancers were enthusiastically recalled. Frank Luiz has a voice of excellent quality, and pleased greatly in his vocal numbers. Ernest Kaai presented a mandolin fantasie on “Kentucky Home,” Sid David gave “Minnetonka” and other popular airs on the saxophone, Edward Kinlcy and Palmer Parker played a variety of instruments and sang, and the ladies of the company were seen and heard in various turns—all very enjoyable.

The Hawaiian Troubadours will give their final performance in Hamilton tonight. Their enjoyable entertainment is decidedly worth hearing. THEATRE ROYAL. Burning eyes, a sword that flashed like a shaft of light, a mocking smile that changed to one of tenderness, an agile body that performed miracles of daring athletics ... it is this impression that one remembers of John Gilbert after seeing “Bardely’s the Magnificent,” which will open at the Theatre Royal on Monday. The picture is the screen version of Rafael Sabatini’s popular novel, and may be placed in the same category of colourful fascination as ‘‘The Sea Hawk” and “Scaramouche” which were also written by this famous author. STRAND AND FRANKTON THEATRES The current programme is one of particular interest. Beautiful a Billy Dove gets her first chance to display her talents as a comedienne in First National's “American Beauty,” her latest starring production. Although “American Beauty” has many serious moments and touches of pathos, it is handled mainly in a vein of whimsical comedy. "American Beauty” really could not help being mostly comedy considering that fact that it is based on a short story by Waiace Irwin, one of the foremost humorous writers of the land. On the same programme is the English gazette, Fox news, and a Buck Jones thriller, entitled “Chain Lightning.” WANTED A SCENARIO. The proposal to make a film in Hamilton is proving very popular, and deserves to be taken up enthusiastically, for not only will it do much to develop local talent, but it will also do much to advertise Hamilton and district. A local scenario is wanted, and a substantial prize is offered for the one chosen. As much “local colour” as possible should be introduced.