THE THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 282, 17 August 1918, Page 11

THE THEATRE

(liy "Sylvius.")

"Tho Gondoliers." . Rehearsals of "The Gondoliers" by tho Wellington Operatic Society are procrossing most satisfactory under the direction of Mr. Frank Thomas, the de-puty-conductor. After tho musical comedies, etc., works of tho simplicity of '•Iα Mnscotte," the amateurs are finding tho luusie of Gilbert and Sullivan something really worth while singing. It is a sad commentary on. the trend to find that the compass used by Sullivan is somewhat trying to Home voices, but (here is somo .satisfaction for (he singers in knowing that a season of such music will have the effect of an expert pianolunqr on a niano—it will mako them realise that the range of a soprano should include the A in alt. Though ihe music is more difficult than in musical comedy, the harmonies more intricate, and tho range of tone greater it may bo said with perfect truth that fho society's chorus after only five rehearsals hare broken the bad; of tlio opera. The cast should be announced next month. "Joan the Woman." "Joan the Woman." a screen realisation of the history of Joan of Arc. with Gernldine l-'arr.ir (the American grand opera artist) in the title role, is said to bo one of tho most notable anions the big photo-plays made in the 'United Slates. It is to lie screened at the Crown Theatre next. week. "Snice." "Snice," the new revue put in rehearsal for early production at tho Sydney Tivoli Theatre enjoyed a wonderful run of prosperity in London. Its success was duplicated in Soiith Africa. Strangely enough Iho originator of the principal irolo in England and Africa, will be seen • in ' "Snice" when it is staged in Sydney. This is Eve Kolland, a famous English star, who enjoys a great reputation in London a« a comedienne. Others engaged for this show aro Fayette Perry, tho erstwhile diraiuutive, leading lady in "Very .Good Eddie," Harry do Rpcbeck, Leslie Gaze, Harry Burns. Charlie Albert,' Espinosa, and Elsie l'arke-3. Abe and Wawruss Again. "Business Before Pleasure" is (says the Sydney "Referee") a. comedy of laughs. Everyone laughs except tho characters in the play, and they seldom smile. When, however, they aro most tragic they aro most amusing. Potash' and Perlnmtter have come back to us as film manufacturers. In their new guise they are even funnier than when'they were engaged in the "coat and suit trade." Quaint sayings flow from the months of the two chief characters, and eacli timo they make a remark the house rings ngaiu with laughter. Mingled with tho farce of "Business Beforo Pleasure" is a film interlude, which proves entirely to the tasto of the audience. Both the principal characters aro delightfully played. Messrs. Waters and Adams have coino to us fresh from a big ■ London success,, and tho English verdict was immodialely endorsed in Sydney. As Potash, Mr. Jaines It. Waters is a sentimental, hustling person, incessantly saying and doing impossible things, but, through it all," contriving to remain most lovable. His powers of entertainment are endless, and ho averages a laugh every ten seconds. Mr. Xick Adams. Perlmutter, is on entirely different lines. He makes ceaseless, efforts to bo businesslike, and, as ho/is really as simple as Abe Potash, these- efforts caaso' uproarious merriment. Of the , supporting cast, Miss Maggie Moore, as Mrs. Potash," is a big factor in the'funmaking. Notes, Mr. Jack Cannot, the rubicund comedian of "The Bing Boys" has a two years' contract with J. C, ■'Williamson, Ltd., from the current month. Miss Rita Nujout, a pony dancer in the "Oh. Boy" ballet in Sydney, is said to 1)0 showing marked talent as a solo dancer.