SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1411, 10 May 1917, Page 34

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES

(By

“Lorgnette.”

WELLINGTON, May 7. The Wellington season of the daring Universal photo-tragedy “Where Are My Children” was opened last Saturday afternoon at the King’s Theatre, and both afternoon and evening performances were witnessed by packed houses. “Where Are My Children” has a distinct bearing on the human propagation problem. It is a theme of widespread interest, and makes a powerful appeal to all classes. The moral of the story is put by means of a parable, which is claimed to be perfectly legitimate, dignified and justifiable in the protest against race suicide. It is expected that the Wellington season will run over three weeks. Arrangements have been made for the picture to be shown also at several of the other picture-houses. The “Charley’s Aunt” Comedy Company opened a six nights’ season at the Grand Opera House on Saturday night with the three-act comedy “Tom, Dick and Harry.”

Mr. H. D. MTntosh is enquiring for dates for a New Zealand tour for the clever English comedienne, Miss Ada Reeve and her company. It is hoped to open the tour some time in August, but the fixing of dates at the present time is a difficult matter. His Majesty’s Theatre continues to be well patron'sed by the lovers of good vaudeville. This week’s bill is well up to the standard by the enterprising Fullers.

Monday evening, 21st inst., will mark the first presentation in New Zealand at the Wellington Town Hall of “Intolerance,” the colossal picture spectacle by D. W. Griffith, whose previous masterpiece “The Birth of a Nation” came as a revelation in moving picture art. “Intolerance” is in four sections and serves to introduce once more two favourites of the screen who had previously been seen in “The Birth of a Nation.” These are Lilian Gish, the woman who rocks the cradle (the rocking cradle marks the change from one story to another), and Mae Marsh, who is the Dear One in the modern story. The Wellington season will extend over six nights, after which Christchurch Dunedin, Auckland, and the principal towris will be visited. Mr. Charles M. Berkeley will manage the tour, whilst Mr. R. McCarthy will act as treasurer.