PLAYS AND PLAYERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17412, 26 May 1928, Page 17 (Supplement)

PLAYS AND PLAYERS.

THEATRE RGfAL. June 12.—J. and N. Tait (Benno Moiseiwitsch, pianist). July 2 and 3—Fullers (" Archie " and "Sunny." J. CL Williamson (pencilled)—June 27. J. G. Williamson—July 9. Williamson's Grand Opera Company— September. Regent Ballroom.—June 7, Cabaret night. Grand Opera for Hamilton. There is a possibility of Hamilton theatregoers being able to see grand opera staged locally in September, the Wiliiamson-Melba Grand Opera Company having pencilled a date for that month. This is indeed gratifying news. "Hamilton Husbands" in Demand. The local film production, Which created quite a stir when shown here, Is being keenly sought after by showmen in the province. Next week it will be screened at Te Aroha, and Te Awamutu, Morrinsville, Thames, Waihi, Tauranga, and other centres as dates can be arranged. Allan Wilkle In Sydney.

A splendid house, which included His Excellency the Governor, attendc-d by General Anderson, the Chief Justice (Sir Philip Street) and Lady Street. and Sir William and Lady Cullen, watohed the presentation of "Hamlet" by Mr Allan Wilkie and his company at the Majestic Theatre, JXewtown, on May 5. The character of the "Melancholy Dane" is one which has always had a fascination for Shakespearean actors, and Mr Wilkie's interpretation of the part was a powerful one—his portrayal of Hamlet was of a youth maddened with grief rather than a frenzied madness to cloak his designs. At the end of Part 1., during which he delivers his famous solioquy .there was a tremendous outburst of enthusiasm, the audience demanding live curtains—a .happy augury for the success of the rest of the season.

The acting of :he whole oompany was of a very high standard.

Marie Burke Not In "Showboat."

In denying the statement that Marie Burke \|as taking the lead in "The Showboat," Sir Alfred Butt said that Miss Edith Day will be the leading lady In the new Drury Lane musical production. He said: "It is entirely untrue to say that the management of Drury Lane are doing their utmost to see that they have the first chance of engaging Miss Marie Burke. The facts are that last January I received a letter from an agent stating that Miss Burke was returning from Australia. In reply I said I would be pleased to see her upon her return. Recently I received another letter asking me to give Miss Burke an interview upon her return. I am anxious that Miss Burke should' not be prejudiced by incorrect statements as to her immediate future."

"The Yellow Mask."

Never was London endowed with so many magnificent music and dan-e shows as happens to be the case at the moment. One or two have reached the days of cU?cay, others are in hale and hearty middle life, and the rest in robust infancy (says a London crificO. If there is a record-breaker among them—something to outlive "Rose Marie," for example—it might e,asilv be "The Yellow Mask." This "irirlodramatic musical comedy" has been transferred from the Carlton to His Majesty's, where it was welcomed to its new home by an audience more demonstrative, if possible, than on that unforgettable first night, and already shows sign's and portents of a tenancy as long as "Chu Chin Chow." School for Cinema Organists.

Following a recent discussion in a London paper on a new field for church organists in cinemas, a scheme ha"s been evolved by the head of an organbuilding firm and Sir Hugh Allen (Director of the Royal College of Music) to found a school for cinema organists.

The originator of the idea is Mr Christie, of an organ-building Arm, who says—

"The cinema organist must be an •rganist to start with, but he has to have a greater rhythm and life than is needed in a church, and has to learn to improvise according to public taste or the needs of the film. Imagination and adaptability are wanted, and all this could be taught and make an outlet for organists who cannot otherwise find a remunerative post."

When it was talked over with Sir Hugh Allen he agreed with the need. It is hoped to start-a school for which practice organs will be supplied, and the teachers will be men qualified as cinema organists already.

a Big Production Preparations.

Three of the largest sets ever con-

structed for motion pictures have been ..y built by the Paramount studio for use in the picture "High Treason," formerly called "The Patriot." They conj, sist of a corridor and grand staircase; a throne room copied after the original in the Palace of St. Michael in St. ; Petersburg (now Leningrad); and a section of the main thoroughfare leading to the palace, flanked by massive buildings on each side. '* The street set took nearly two months to make, and when seen on the screen will be one of the most impressive ever built in Hollywood. It is over > 500 yards in length, with something like 70 stone buildings, two, three and f . four storeys in height, On each side The houses are all practical, with massive doors and gates leading to courtyards which are also completely finished. Emil Jannings is the star, plaving ths part of Czar Paul, the mad son of Catherine the Great.

BO Years as Conductor.

George Riseley celebrated this

month his fiftieth year as conductor of the Orpheus Glee Society of Bristol. He first joined the society in 1863 as associate and librarian.. He - himself conducted his jubilee concert, receiving an enthusiastic greeting and a testimonial cheque. The story goes that some years ago efforts were made to oust Mr Riseley from his seal of oragnist to Colston Hall, the magnificent concert room at Bristol, but they proved unavailing. It is said that on Mr Riseley taking his seat < at the organ after the decision was made to retain his services he played an arrangement of Handel's aria, "Fixed in His Seat," to

Australian Film Venture. The statement of the receiver in the Phillips Film Productions, Ltd., the Australian company which brought Eva Novak over, shows that the firm's liabilities total £11,474, with assets amounting to £3200. It reveals the fact that £4748 is owing to Miss Novak for salary arrears and other expenses. In settlement of this sum the star has taken the American rights of the film, "The Romance of Runnibede." There is much activity in the sale of theatre properties in Australia at present. While travelling by rail in the EastWest train in Australia recently Mrs Bernard Manning, wife of the popular member of the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, suddenly collapsed and died. Understudy Gets Chance. Marie Bremner, clever young Australian actress, who has been understudying Harriet Bennett' in the principal role of "Rose Marie" for two years, without ever having an opportunity of taking up the role, was granted this privilege recently, thanks to the consideration of Miss Bennett. The lot of the understudy is by' no means to be envied, for it goes on record that most stars, fearing for their reputa'tions, do everything possible to see that the substitute does not get his or her chance.

Humphrey Bishop Doing Big Business.

Recently Humphrey Bishop's Musical Comedy Company played a season to capacity business throughout at the Lyceum Theatre, ■ Dcniliquin (Vic). The local press credited the show with being the finest that had ever visited the town.

Those who scored particularly were Walter Kingsley, Miss Elaine Maye, Arthur Helmsley, Thelma Trott, Cecile Audibert, John Montfort, and George Ross. Big Picture Coming.

The local season for "Beau Sabreur," which is a sequel to "Beau Geste," will

commence on May 31. Gany Cooper, Evelyn Brent and Noah Beery are the featured players.

Dangers of the Trapeze.

A young acrobat, Trevor, who was very badly injured whilst performing a three-high in the act of the Flying Wartons, some time ago in Melbourne, has been an inmate of the Homoeopathic Hospital, Melbourne, for some months. His spine is injured. lie is progressing slowly. Clay Smith Seeks New Partner. Clay Smith, when last heard from, was thinking of going to London with a view lo securing another partner in an act similar to that in which he was seen with the late Lee White. He will find it a very hard matter to replace the lamented Miss White, whose artistry was inherent.

J.C.W. Gilbert and Sullivan

Although previously stated that the J. G. Williamson, Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan company would disband after the Melbourne season, it is now announced that this will not be so. It has been decided following seaosns in Perth and Adelaide, to reorganise the company for presentation of comic operas of former days, in addition to several recent pieces. In Adelaide and Perth "Lilao Time" will be included in the company's repertoire. Miss Gladys CoopeK on Tour. Miss Gladys Cooper, who is making her first tour in England, received a very warm reception when she appeared in the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh at the end of March, says the Era. Somerset Maugham's play " The Letter," attracted a crowded audience to the theatre on the opening night, and the actress had no reason to complain of the enthusiasm of her welcome. In the character of Leslie Crosby, Miss Cooper undoubtedly makes one of the successes of her career, and the varying emotions of the part are realised with great vividness. Eric Stanley, as the lawyer, presents an admirable study, and George Carr gives a clever impersonation of a Chinese clerk. Austin Strong's oneact play, " The Drums of Oudc," precedes the principal piece, and is impressively interpreted by Una Venning, Tristan Rawson and Robert Newton.

Footlight Flashes. Miss Jean Forbes-Robertson was appealing as Lady Teazle in "A School for Scandal" when the last mail left. Mr Joseph Milton was playing Joseph Surface.

The George Wallace Revue Company are delighting Sydney audiences with their "Bright and Breezy" and "Married Bliss—ters" show. The genial George is chief fun-maker. Eugene O'Brien is appearing in vaudeville in New York. At. Shean, of "Gallagher and Shean," is on the same bill.

Madge Kennedy is appearing in "Paris Bound" at the Music Box Theatre, New York. Lionel A twill, prominent American actor, was playing "The Outsider" iu New York when the last mail left.

Miss Otis Skinner, who is coming to New Zealand, was appearing in Shakespeare's comedy, "The Merry Wives of Windsor" during April, at Brooklyn.

Keith Wilbur, New Zealand mimic, who has done particularly well since going to England, was, when the last mail left, a big success on the programme at the Coliseum. Mr and Mrs Graham Moflltt were on the same bill. Donald Stuart, "the high and mighty man of magic," after years of consistent success as a comedy conjuror in vaudeville, will go into production. He has been allotted one of the principal p.amedY roles in "Pj"Hhfr°rfiil Cb&H&j&fo'* ' \

"The Student Prince." The production of "The Student Prince" in Auckland is arousing exceptional interest. The whole cast is one of unusual strength, but special interest lies in the fact that Beppie de Vries will appear as Kathie, the role she created in Europe in "Old Heidelberg," the romantio play upon which the comic opera is based, James Liddy has his original role as Prince Karl, and Frederick Blackman, who originally staged the play in London, will be in charge of the production. Others in the cast include Arthur Stigant, Frank Webster, Noel Dainton, Hedley Hall (who will make his first apparance in New Zealand), Conrad Charlton, Vera Spaull, Russell Scott (his first appearance in New Zealand), George Conyngham, Mason Wood, Millie Engler, Adelc Crane, Peg Desmond, and others. Some very fine choruses are sung by the Forty Singing Students. Miss Minnie Hooper has invented and arranged the dances, etc "The King of Kings" Cast.

Few pictures of recent years can boast of a cast which includes so many well-known names as "The King pf Kings," which will be screened in Hamilton shortly. Here are some of the stars and featured players utilised in the Biblical story by Jeanie Macpherson: H. B. Warner, Jacqueline Logan, Ernest Torrence, Joseph Schildkraut, Rudolph Schildkraut, Dorothy dimming, Victor Varconi, Theodore Kosloff, Montagu Love, Robert Edeson, Jetta Goudal, and William Cody.

Gallipoli Re-enacted. With the assistance of the British Government the filming of the story, "Tell England," is now proceeding, it is announced by British Dominions Films. £30,000 has been allocated by British Instructional Films, Ltd. Directors and cameramen are now on location securing the exteriors of Anzao Cove and Lone Pine, and an old steamer is being run ashore to re-enact the historical incidents associated with the River Clyde. "Tell England," which is claimed to be the first authoritative attempt to picturise the story of Gallipoli, will be released by British Dominions Films throughout Australia and New Zealand. 8000 ft Picture—soo,oooft Film. Close to half a million feet of film, negative and positive, have been used by Harold Lloyd in the filming of "Speedy," which was recently completed. This tremendous film footage lias been made necessary by the nature of "Speedy," which is probably the most difficult film Lloyd has ever attempted to "shoot." Lloyd has utilised 425,000 feet of negative film, and has printed 17)0,000 feet of positive, making altogether nearly 500 reels. Of this amount hardly more than 8000 feet will be actually seen by the public.

A World's Record. An Australian theatrical record was put up when the Orama arrived at Melbourne with seventy theatrical artists on board under engagement to J. C. Williamson Ltd. These comprised fifty-eight Italian members of the chorus of the Williamson-Melba Grand Opera Company, several musicians engaged for the orchestra of the Grand Opera Company, and the members of the Margaret Bannerman Company, who are to open at J. C. Williamson's new Comedy Theatre. Never before has one boat arrived in Australian with seventy people on board under engagement to only one theatrical management. This is said, as a matter of fact, to constitute a world's record. Picture Tndustry Honoured. President Coolidge officially opened the Paramount Convention in Washington on April 29. By special invitation he also viewed the picture "Wings." Vice-President Dawes presided at the convention banquet, the information states.' It was the first time for such a Presidential honour to motion pictures.

Smart Lines from Plays.

"Senora Concha, cliaperon. Three men had committed suicide for her—her three husbands." —From "Rose of the Golden West." "Such is life. .One is an orchid today and an onion to-morrow."—From "Her Wild Oat." "The only thing more capricious than a woman is a tropical storm."—From "Her Primitive Mate." "Love is the greatest luxury in the world. You know that after you've lost it."—From "Sailors' Wives." Airmen's Superstitions. A simple little incident during the Aiming of a picture made easy the asking of a question which has always been regarded as a ticklish one by newspapermen, who have always wanted to know, "Are airmen superstitious? And to what degree?" When Pilot Dick Grace dropped a small heartshaped bit of rock out of his pocket and admitted, - upon questioning, that he would not fly without that talisman, it led to a survey of good-luck pieces carried by nearly 40 fliers. Thirty-five of those questioned produced a fetish of one sort or another, varying in range from jewellery and photographs to locks of hair. Those who did not carry them insisted upon going through a certain ritual, such as tapping the propeller.' Various pilots in "Wings" carried a lop-eared rabbit, a lace from a baby shoe, a silver locket, a tiny silk kerchief in the helmet, while another walks entirely around the 'plane. "Abie's Irish Rose" Completed. "Abie's Irish Rose," which was produced by Paramount from Anne Nichols' famous story, is completed. This firm is planning to make a sequel to "Abie," and Victor Fleming has already been selected as diretoo" for the production. "Abie's Rose" will be released in New "Zealand this year.

Wirths' Trick Horse Poisoned. "Duke," trained black stallion, whose performance with Miss Gladys has been one of the star turns of Wirths' Circus for khe past three yearsj was found dead last week.

The Government Analyst reported that the animal's stomach contained arsenic, and Wirths' have offered £IOO reward for information that will lead to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the poisoning. New Plays in New York.

Among new shows opened in New York in April were: "Present Arms," the Rodgers-Feilds-Hart musical show; "The Breaks"; "The Skull," a mystery play; "Box Seats"; "The Heritage of the Children," from the Spanish; "The Alimoniacs"; and "The Song Writer." It is far from an up.promisbg group