ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17802, 29 August 1929, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

STRAND AND FRANKTON THEATRES In the New British Dominions Him, “You Know Wliat Sailors Are,” which is now showing at the above theatres, Chili Bouchier, officially known as the British “It” girl, is seen as the daughter of an old Spanish sea-captain. She sails with her father on Ills old wea-ther-beaten schooner, and the rivalry and complications that Chili causes amongst the sailors, provide on of the most humorous comedies yet seen on the screen. In the supporting picture excitement, interest and romance vie with one another in “The Far Call.” THEATRE ROYAL. The change of programme at the Theatre Royal to-night should draw’ a large audience. It is headed by “The Knight of Nights," in which romance and action are cleverly blended, A funny comedy, “Hectic Days,” and interesting Gazettes and other short subjects are included. “RIO RITA” SEASON. The box plans for the coming seasou of Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller's musical comedy triumph, “Rio Rita,” will open 'to-morrow morning at nine o’clock. Special arrangements have been made to cope with the rush which is anticipated, and it will probably be necessary to form a queue early in the morning, as was done in other towns. The Hamilton season will commence at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday next. The critic of the Dominion, in describing the opening night at’ Wellington, writes: “Rio Rita” comes to Wellington flushed with an enormous success attained in Australia, where it has been running to capacity business for the past year. After witnessing the premiere performance in New Zealand, at His Majesty’s Theatre, one has metaphorically to take one's hat off to Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller. Here in this comedy, with its bizarre Mexican setting and story (with its-tropic loves and hates), there is a wealth of gorgeous colouring, lavish sartorial embellishment, melodiousy glamorous music, extraordinarily line dancing by a delightful ballet, and, best of all, the golden voice of Gladys Moncricff. Miss Moncricff outclasses in the title role of "Rio Rita" all her efforts of other days, attractive as they were. Her mclilluous voice, so velvet in texture, so appealing in musical quality, so full and rich throughout the registers, is more satisfying than ever in the half-dozen numbers that illume and grace Hie score. Miss Moncricff is only one of several admirable performers, amongst whom must he mentioned liie excellent comedy and dancing effort of Miss Janette Gilmore, Hie sound comedy role so well done by Mr Dave Mallen, and the stalwart, heroic showing of Mr Leslie Pearce.