ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17804, 31 August 1929, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL. The current programme at the Theatre Royal last nlgul- was 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, making up a programme of great appeal.

STRAND AND FRANKTON THEATREB “The Giant of the Mountains,” which heads the new programme at the above theatres, was enacted in one of the Continent’s scenic paradises, the Dolomite Mountains in the Alps. People come from all over the world to this place of beauty, and hold ice carni\als and sports on its famous lakes and slopes. “The Shakedown" is the supporting picture. The story deals with the evil machinations of crooked fight promoters. The faked fight, long the “ace in the hole” for ring racketeers, forms the basis of the plot and the inner workings of the crooked prize machine are interestingly depicted. “RIO RITA.” Next Tuesday, at the Theatre Royal, will see the commencement of the big musical comedy season, when Sir Benjamin and Mr John Fuller will present the super-musical comedy “Rio Rita,” produced and staged in the same lavish way as it was presented in New York and the St. Janies Theatre, Sydney. “A blaze of colour,” is an apt description of each scene in “Rio Rita.” Probably never has sucli a gorgeous collection of costumes been gathered for one production. Hamilton theatregoers have been waiting with keen interest for the arrival of “Rio Rita” and to welcome Miss Gladys Moncrieff hack. She is now in the the full maturity of her art, and in a production ideally suited to her temperament. Her voice gives added value to the many delightful vocal gems with which the musical score is studded, and she rises to great heights in the intensity ol' the dramatic climax. There is a brilliant cast of international stars supporting Miss Moncrieff, including Miss Janette Gilmore, the talented little American dancing comedienne, who has made a tremendous hit with her sparkling comedy and her wonderful, original- daiice creations, and Mr Dave Mallen, New York’s droll humorist. The chorus and ballet are Australian girls, who were selected as much for their talent as their good looks. The box-plans for the season are now open, and heavy booking is being recorded. MATINEE PERFORMANCE. A matinee performance of "Rio Rita” will be given on Thursday afternoon.