AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 227, 25 September 1929, Page 19

AMUSEMENTS.

ROXY THEATRE. Tliere is an interesting grouping- of international talents in the cast and staff of the Paramount production, "A Dangerous Woman," which is being presented at the Roxy Theatre. Baclanova, the Russian actress, is playing the title role—that of a lone white woman in the primeval jungle, region of Africa. England has two prominent personalities in the production. Clive Brook, who plays the leading male part, was well known on the London stage before he went to America four years ago. The technical direction was handled by Gerald Grove, an heir to English baron- 1 etcy, who spent eight years in the interior of the dark continent. Rowland V. Lee is the director, and Neil Hamilton has a featured role. Both are Americans. Hans Dreier, late of Berlin, who lived three years in Africa, designed the enormous jungle set used ill the production. Snitz Edwards, Hungarian actor and Clyde Cook, an Australian, play the comedy roles in the production. The supports are all interesting in talk and sound. CITY MISSION CONCERT. As usual Jasper's concert at the Town Hall last night in aid of the funds of the City Mission was well attended. A splendid programme was provided, the chief item being a sketch, "Sherlock Holmes." The Rev. Jasper Calder took the part of a detective, which Dr. H. A. Barraclough and Miss Edna Herrick had the parts of Moriarty, an arch criminal, and "Billy" the page boy respectively. The Mission choir and orchestra gave fine performances, and were greeted enthusiastically. A gymnastic display was given by a Y.M.C.A. team under the direction of Mr. F. Rogers. Amusing novelty numbers were given by the "Nifty Three" and "The Kindleys." Others who helped to make the concert a success hy contributing items were: Messrs, Ernest Snell, George Poore, K. W. Liddle, H. Chatwin, Mrs. H. A. Keven, and Miss Irene Frost. INNOCENTS OF PARIS. With the American R.C.A. pliotophone equipment installed and thoroughly tested, "Innocents of Paris," the talking, singing and dancing picture starring Maurice Chevalier, the idol of Paris, will be presented at the Majestic Theatre on Friday. Maurice Chevalier, the famous French musical comedy star, started his stage career at the early age of twelve. He appeared first in a revue at the Casino des Tourelles, Paris. In the years immediately following he toured the French provinces with Boucet, comedian of the day, but his first real success came when he returned to Paris to appear at the Eldorado. Chevalier's success here took him to the Folies Bergere, where he met Mistinguett, whose dancing partner he became. The war interrupted his career, however. He was wounded, taken prisoner, and after a 26 months' imprisonment at Alten Grabow escaped. Returning to Paris after the war, the famous star made his new debut at the Casino de Paris. He next appeared in London in a revue with Elsie Janis. He was at the height of his success when signed by Paramount. In his first picture, "Innocents of Paris," Chevalier has a great cast in support, headed by Sylvia Beecher, George Fawcett, Margaret Livingston and John Miljan. Richard Wallace directed. "Innocents of Paris" has been a success wherever presented. ORPHANS' CHRISTMAS FUND. An entertainment in support of the Orphan Home Christmas fund was given at Papatoetoe last evening by Miss Lillian Braithwaite, L.A.8., and a party of performers from Auckland. The performance was entitled "The Bo'sn's Bride," a comedy operetta in two acts. The Town Hall was well filled and a! successful entertainment resulted. The cast of charaeters consisted of Dick Erne (tenor), bo'sn of U.S.s. Barnacle, Mr. Norman Tippett; Tom Tupper (baritone), bo'sn's mate, Mr. Colin McPherson; Tim Shannon (baritone), an old salt, Mr. W. Granger; Sam Slippy (baritone), coxwain of the captain's gig, Mr. Murray Tompson; Kitty Adair (soprano), a popular member of the High School Alumni Association, Miss Gladys McAneny; Dorothy (alto), her boy's friend, Miss Lillian Braithwaite; Mrs. Brown (alto), an admirable chaperon, Miss Edna Macey; Barbara (mezzo-soprano), attending high school, Miss Elva Fras.er. Miss Eileen Thompson was the comedienne, and Mr. Eric Speir the dancer. The chorus consisted of high school girls and their friends, numbering 28. Four petite dancers, pupils of Madame Valeska, were one of the successses of the evening. WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS. The Westminster Glee Singers will tour the provinces between here and Wellington, appearing at Te Awamutu to-morrow evening, Hamilton on Friday and Saturday, and at the following places thereafter: Te Aroha, Monday, September 30; Matamata, Tuesday, October 1; Cambridge, Wednesday, October 2; Thames, Thursday, October 3; Waihi, Friday, October 4; Morrinsville, Saturday, October 5; Tauranga, Monday, October 7; Whakatane, Tuesday, October 8; Opotiki, Wednesday, October 9; Gisborne, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October-10, 11 and 12; Wairoa Monday, October 14; Napier, Tuesday, October 15; Hastings, Wednesday and Thursday, October 16 and 17; Palmerston North, Friday, October 18; and Wellington, commencing Saturday, October 19. The programmes to be submitted will be similar to those given at Auckland, and changed nightly in those towns where the company appear more than one night. Other particulars will be announced in the local press. "A SCRAPE 0' THE PEN." Under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Brampton the St. Andrew's Society will present their annual play, "A Scrap o' the Pen," at the Town Hall Concert Chamber to-morrow evening, and on the two following nights. The costumes have been specially designed for the production, and a capable cast has spent many days and nights at rehearsal. The play is a Scottish comedy of merit, and ranks as one of Graham Moffat's best works. Booking arrangements are advertised. A NAVAL COCKTAIL. The stage of Scots Hall last evening was set in an attractive fashion for the earthquake charity performance given by: the "Cocktail Shakers," a band of merry makers of H.M.S. Dunedin. The cocktail consisted of "Grenadine," Captain Bouring, R.M.; "Martini," O. A. Bennett; "Soda," Mr. Julian, R.N.; "Cherry," Corporal Thompson; "Lemon," Yeoman Pikesley; "Glass," Mr. Burden, R.N.; and "Gin," Lieutenant-Commander Branson.