ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17554, 8 November 1928, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. To bring to those millions who have no concrete conception of the stupendous workings of Nature which occur in that vast area of 600,000 square miles, known as Alaska, was the purpose of the trip undertaken by Gaptain Jack Robertson and Arthur 11. Young, champion big game archer of the world, in " 'Neath Arctic Skies" .which comes to the Theatre Royal tonight. To gaze upon the awe-inspir-ing spectacle of the. breaking-up of the Yukon, to journey through the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, to scan the heavens illumined by the rays of the midnight sun and to witness the birth of the giant icebergs were the main objectives. Into this wilderness, Robertson and Young carried nothing but bows and arrows for weapons. " 'Neath Arctic Skies" is a true picture of that country Robert Service so aptly described as a "land where the mountains are nameless and the rivers run—God knows where," It is a gripping saga of the Northland where Nature's moods are sternest and where change is ushered in with cataclysmic ferocity. STRAND AND FRANKTON'S OWN. Again Laura La Plante has John Harron for her leading man, this time in "Finders Keepers," her latest comedy success which will open at the above theatres to-night. Harron recently played opposite Miss La Plante in "Silk Stockings," which was iikewise directed by Wesley Ruggles. The success of " Finders Keepers " is undoubted. Harron is the brother of the late Robert Harron, who died more than ten years ago when he was at the height of his fame under the direction of W. D. Griffith. In his own words John said: "My great ambition is to be all that Robert meant to the firm." "The Girl from Chicago," a Warner Bros.' production, co-starring Conrad Nagel and Myrna Loy, is the second big feature. "The Girl from Chicago," holds the imaginations and thrills the spines of beholders.

WILLIAMSON MUSICAL COMEDY. There is much dancing and sweet melody in the J. C. Williamson musical comedies "The Girl Friend" and "Hit the Deck," which are to be staged at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday and Thursday. A London musical comedy favourite in Annie Croft plays the lead in both productions. She made an instantaneous hit in Australia, and one critic says: "When Annie Groft smiles the whole world smiles, too." Tne company supporting her includes Reginald Sharland, a leading man from the principal London theatres, as is also Leo Franklyn, who has made a great hit in the part that has, in London, made George Gee famous. Other well known people in the cast are Gus Bluett, May Beatty and her daughter Bunny, James Hughes (last with "Rose Marie"), Billie Lockwood, Mary Rlgby, Jack Dunne, Winnie Tate, Leslie Donaghey. Together with the popular chorus and ballet of Australian youth and beauty, this makes an offering that should appeal to all theatregoers. "The Girl Friend" was a great success in Australia, and one critic said: "Is gaily chasing after 'Rose Marie' records." He goes on to say: " 'The Girl Friend' deserves well of playgoers for enabling them to make the acquaintance of Annie Croft. ' The Girl Friend' has given us a leading lady with a pretty voice, excellently controlled. Accompanying the voice is a natural charm. The Australian public will want to keep Annie Croft for a long while, and you cannot blame them." "The Girl Friend" is a musical play that swings along at a great pace, with many a diverting side issue from the main plot which hinges on a lover who realistically misses a train in the first beautiful scene. Such charming little diversions as pyjamaclad girls listening to the intimate detail of a sweet lady's love affair, and : quaint goings on in a railway station, ] find a gorgeous climax in a swell garden of a swell hotel. The second piece, "Hit the Deck," is a naval comedy, but so different. I The box plans for both productions will open on Monday.

ORGAN RECITAL. On Saturday night a recital of more than usual interest will be given at St. Paul's Church by Mr T. S. Webster. In view of the centenary of Schubert, Mr Webster will play several of Schubert's compositions, and* he will also give a composition of his own descriptive of Armistice Day. The vocalists will be Miss Dulcie Evans and Mi llorton Worm,