HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1421, 19 July 1917, Page 30

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

J. AND N. TAIT’S ATTRACTION.

“VERY GOOD EDDIE.”

Under the direction of Messrs. J. and N. Tait, “Very Good Eddie,” the latest musical comedy success, will be presented at His Majesty’s Theatre to-night (Wednesday). The company is said to be one of the strongest that has ever toured the Dominion. Messrs. Tait could scarcely have selected a better principal comedian than Barry Lupino, and his re-appearance in the part of Eddie Kettle will be welcomed by his numerous admirers. Miss Fayette Perry, an American musical comedy actress, although very young, has had a wide experience in the theatrical world. Her dancing is a special feature of her work. Miss Lilian Tucker, considered to be one of the handsomest women on the American stage, is another young artist who has appeared in principal roles in musical comedy, comedy, and drama. Mr John Beck, the new American comedian with the company, has played in innumerable dramatic and musical comedy productions, and has done a considerable amount of picture work. After an absence of over five years, Mr. Andrew Higginson will be seen in one of his happy juvenile parts. His wife, Miss Daisy Revette, appears as Victoria Lake. The other principals in the cast are Miss Nan Taylor, who was here with “Bunty”; Miss Emily Fitzroy, Mr. Frank Greene, Mr. Lionel Walsh, and Mr. Charles Pope. The chorus and ballet are said to be exceptionally good. The production is staged by Mr. Barry Lupino, and the musical director is Mr. Robert Keers. “Very Good Eddie” will be staged for six nights, and will be followed by “The White Chrysanthemum'’ for one night only.

“THE WHITE CHRYSANTHEMUM.”

Japanese in scene and colour, “The White Chrysanthemum” tells of a young Englishman, betrothed to the daughted of an American millionaire. In the atmosphere of Japan, however, Reginald Armitage forgets the heiress and succumbs to the fascinations of an English girl, who is known as O San, the White Chrysanthemum. The appointment of Reginald’s father as Admiral of the China Station and his arrival, upsets his son’s menage in the bungalow in Japan. All kinds of complications ensue, and all kinds of untruthful explanations are furnished to Admiral Armitage and to Cornelia Vanderdecken, the heiress. Matters are still further complicated by the presence of Samuel Wilkins, a Londoner, with a special gift of falling foul of the Japanese police and a weakness for the fair sex, which eventuates in his being saddled with a Chinese wife and a ready made family of Chow children of a singularly acrobatic and affectionate nature. The musical numbers are bright and catchy and comedy pervades the piece from start to finish.

A stirring incident in “The Birth of a Nation” is to be emphasised by a Klu-Klux-Klan procession through the streets on Friday and Saturday nights. Arrangements are being made to requisition a number of steeds and sturdy riders.

Mr. W. P. Turner is back again in bis accustomed place with ■ the Pierrots after his indisposition, brightening up the comedy van with his jovial personality.

Mr. O. N. Gillespie, publicity manager for the New Zealand Picture Supplies in Wellington, is in Auckland at present in connection with “The Birth of a Nation.”

King’s Theatre patrons will be delighted to hear that their old favourites are to return to the above playhouse on July 28, in that famous Irish drama “The Shaughraun.”