ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 108, 31 January 1919, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. A deal more than the usual interest is being evinced in the J. C Williamson comic opera season at the Grand Opera House, of "Oh, Boy," which will be staged for the first time to-night. A Sydney critic remarked: " "Oh, Boy, , the latest American musical show, is all sparkle and sweetness like an iced drink. Its chief charm is Jerome Kern's music, and the distinctive dresses and costumes designed by Lady Duff Gordon, which givo the entertainment a strong millinery interest, which should lead women patrons to agree that it is the best dressed J. C. Williamson production of recent yeais. The story o{ the new plays deals with the secret, marriage of two young jpeople. Miss Cecil Bradley has a charming ami piquant rolb as Jackie Sampson. Miss Maude Beatty plays Quaker lady who has numerous thrilling matrimonial experiences. The old favourites* William Greene, Alfred Frith, Field Fisher, JackHooker, and Tom Preston . and Fred Maguire, add as of yore to the general gaiety. Newcomers with a reputation are Mr. George Willoiighby and Miss Lsu-ers" "Oh, Boy," has proved an artistic and financial boom wherever staged,, and was recently referred to by a lending critic as the "acme of peri«*»*tio.n in musical comedy." The production is said to present in quick succession a series of delightful attractions much sweet music, iliarming girls, elegant costumes, genuine comedy, ami superlative dancing, all on a scale of completeness worthy of J. C. Williamson's greatest achievements.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Every Woman's Husband," the Triangle drama, will be shown for the last time to-night at Everybody's Theatre. A vendetta against a detective for doing his duty efficiently is the theme of the mystery drama, entitled '"Die Hand at the' Window," the feature to be screened tomorrow. The story is .said to be intensely dramatic. The picture has a somewhat sensational introduction, the wedding of Tony the banker being upset by the appearance of the police and the removal of the bridegroom- to the police station. Tlio story is full of interest, and is carried out with every attention to detail. The interest is well maintained throughout, and it is claimed that tho story cannot fail to meet with the approval of picture-lovers. Marjory Wilson, who will be remembered for her work in "Intolerance," plays the part of tho heroine. In addition will be."shown what is described as a side-splitting comedy, entitled "Max in a Taxi." KING'S THEATRE. , The last screening of the "Goldwyn super-feature, "Thais," will tnke place at the King's Theatre to-night. This will bo replaced to-morrow by another Goldwyn production, entitled "The Venus Model," in tfhich Mabel Normand plays the star part, and is said to achieve the most convincing and emotional work of her career. The performance will be opened by a matinee at 2.15, followed by the usual evening rcreening. "The Venus Model" is a celebrated neiv-style bathing-dress, which plays a prominent part in the plot of the story, and which Mabel Normand wears during the course of the drama. An i nusually, attractive musical programme has been snanged, and vocal items will be contributed by the popular Wellington baritone, Mr. Leonard Barnes, who will sing Cuonen's "Lovely Spring" and nlso "Roses of Pioardy." The King's grand orchestra, which has recently been considerably augmented, will be under the leadership of Mr. L. D. Austin as usual, and will play selections from "The Yeomnn of the Guard" (Sullivan), "Dorothy" (Collier), "The Count of Luxembourg" (Lobar), and' "The Rainbow Girl" (Hirsch), while the entr'acte will, bv s.rj.->ial request, bo a selection from "The liini? Boys," with effects by the master-drummer (Sergeant C. Stewart). A strong supporting programme of pictures will be shown in addition to the main feature, and these will include a further episode of that exciting serial, "Tho Fatal Ring." The programme altogether should constitute n fine kinema onterl:iinment plus a musical concert, of high grade. Seats mi\y be reserved without extra charge at tne Bristol.

EMPRESS THEATRE. June Elvidge is featured in "A Woman of Redemption," which will bt finally screened at the, Empress '.theatre to-day. The programme selected for screening tomorrow and all next wtek is a particularly good one. "The Divine Sacrifice" is the chief fcaforo,*und is said to.bo a powerful, tolling drama of modern society and some of its pitfalls. After hearing of -his wife's death the hero married the woman whom ho had always loved. Afterwards the'first wife makes an appearance. • To which of the two women he owed tho greater obligation is the main theme of tho story. Kitty Gordon has the leading part, while her 'daughter (Vera Beresford) supports her. • There are some remarkable scenes in the 81m, especially the big dance settings. Another feature on the programme is Charlie Chaplin in "Easy Street."

MUSICAL AND ELOCUTIONARY COMPETITIONS. An excellent programme has been arranged for the forthcoming competitions to .be hold in the Town Hall in February unaer tho auspices of tho Wellington Competitions Society. Tho classes include music, singing, elocution, essay, impromptu speaking and debate, original story and poem, classical and Highland dancing. These competitions are a means of stimulating effort on , the part of students, also discovering talent and encouraging it. The recitations selected cover a wide range, including well-known examples of Shakespeare, Thuckerny. 0. W, Holmes, R, L. Stevenson, W. E. Henley, and other classical writers. The judges are all well-known authorities in their several departments; and as 1535 entries have been received from all parts of the Dominion there should be no doubt as to the success of tho competitions, given the eupuort of the public, which can be relied upon to aid so good a cause.